Rankin Inlet (May 10/06) - The Kivalliq News put in a strong showing at the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association (MCNA) awards in Winnipeg this past month, being named the best newspaper in its class at the event.

The Kivalliq News took first place for Best Aboriginal Story of the Year at the 2006 Manitoba Community Newspaper Association awards earlier this month in Winnipeg. - Debbie Greer/NNSL photo

Kivalliq News also took top honours for Best Layout and Design, and Best Front Page.

Editor Darrell Greer captured top spot for Best Aboriginal Story of the Year for his efforts on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network's decision to dub films originally done in Inuktitut into other languages.

Greer also took second place for Best News Story of the Year.

The Kivalliq News rounded out its showing by taking second place for Best Editorial Page.

Greer said it's an honour for the Kivalliq News to be so highly regarded by the MCNA.

He said the awards were the result of a real team effort during the past year.

"I couldn't have asked for a better effort than what I received from our photography and production departments during the past year," said Greer. "They did an outstanding job.

"And, as I've said in the past, the strength of this newspaper comes from the people of the Kivalliq region.

"It's important to me for us to put out a newspaper worthy of their respect and support because they deserve nothing less."