Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Sep 14/05) - The first summer of organized programming at the Vera Akumalik Visitor's Centre in Baker Lake was warmly received by the community.

Dennis Iqqaat concentrates on the ajaaq (bone game) during the final day of programming at the visitor's centre in Baker Lake earlier this month.

The centre was open from June 29 until Sept. 2.

The visitor's centre has been open in Baker for more than a decade.

The facility evolved from a management plan put in place after the Kazan and Thelon rivers were designated as Canadian Heritage Rivers in 1990.

The plan called for the hamlet's old Hudson's Bay Co. store to be restored and turned into the community's visitor centre.

Walking into the centre on the shores of Baker Lake today is like a shopping trip back in time.

The shelves behind the counter appear stocked with products such as coffee, lard and baking powder, while numerous furs and displays adorn the walls.

Baker economic development officer Tara Fesyk says two part-time employees and a summer student were hired for the summer, which saw the centre open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"The centre has always been open to everyone, but this year we made a concentrated effort to attract local residents through scheduled programming," says Fesyk.

"We also hired elders to help with the programming in areas such as traditional knowledge and storytelling, beading and craft work, throat singing and tea-and-bannock making.

"There were always things for kids to do at the centre, from simply sitting down drawing to taking part in various activities with the staff.

"We also had a barbecue and games to help celebrate Parks Canada Day."

Fesyk says response to the approach was good, considering it was the centre's first year with developed programming.

She says the level of future participation should increase once residents become more aware of the programs being offered.

"Some events went better than others, but the feedback we've received from the public has been positive, and everyone seemed to enjoy the programming.

"We had about 250 local residents visit the centre this summer, so we view that as a good start to the programming."