Inuvik (Oct 27/06) - After a long summer of construction and moving supplies, Sir Alexander Mackenzie students can now access the Nunami site on the land.

The cultural camp is located close to Ruby St. Amand's camp, a 30-minute snowmobile ride from town.

Janette Vlanich, Ruby St. Amand, Gerry St. Amand, Vince Brown, Mike Craig and Jason Dayman are seen at the Sir Alexander Mackenzie school Nunami camp located just outside of Inuvik. The group officially cut the ribbon opening the camp site for use this school year. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Planning for the site began during the last school year.

Since then, many donations have been received and the tent frames are ready to be used by the school.

"We really wanted a space on the land that was all our own," said St. Amand.

In previous years, the school had used other camps in the region, like Rachel Reindeer located nearby. Nearly 300 students attended the on-the-land classes in 2005-06.

St. Amand is hopeful that more students can get involved now that a site is always available.

Vice-principal Jason Dayman has been working towards the goal of having all 460 students in the school go to the Nunami site before the end of the year.

"At the least, I hope to get the older students on the land, from Grade 4 to 6," said Dayman.

The camp is a collective achievement between the Mackenzie Delta Hotel Group and other contributors.

"Vince Brown did so much for the program, we wanted him to be out for the grand opening," said St. Amand.

The camp is completed, but students will not use the site until the ice on the river is thick enough.

"Our number one priority is safety," said St. Amand.

"That is why we are waiting until after freeze up, most likely mid-November before we start classes out there."

The classes will be taught by regular teachers, with outside knowledge coming from local people and elders from the region.