Yellowknife (Jan 05/07) - Grade 6 student Shayna Greenough was dogsledding for the first time on Boxing Day and it was all because of a Christmas card.

Greenough made a drawing of reindeer pulling a RCMP vehicle. The design was chosen from a wide selection of drawings and used for the 2006 Inuvik RCMP Christmas card.

Shayna Greenough was the student chosen to design the 2006 Inuvik RCMP Christmas card. Her design, which depicts a RCMP vehicle being pulled by reindeer, was chosen from the entire Grade 6 class. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Staff Sgt. Sid Gray said the initiative was started by Cst. Kim Denige, who was in charge of the project.

"This was all Cst. Denige's idea," said Gray.

Gray said that he encourages his officers to reach out to the community with activities like the card designing competition.

"Any projects that are beneficial to the youth is important," said Gray.

The winner of the competition was invited to join Denige for a dog sled ride on Boxing Day.

Greenough's design was chosen on Dec. 21 and she was told the same day.

Designing the picture was easy for Greenough. She said her inspiration came from the annual Christmas parade.

"I started drawing after the parade was done," she said.

"I wondered what it would look like if a truck was being pulled by reindeer."

The card might also double as a design for a future float.

The real fun came on the day of the dog sled ride, explained Greenough.

"It was a little weird," she said.

"It was my first time on a dog sled, I didn't know what to expect."

There were three teams, Cst. Denige, Greenough and Arctic Chalet manager Judy Venaas.

Greenough said the dogs were really responsive and even had commands for turning.

"Chi means right and Cha means left. I was surprised that they were listening to every command," said Greenough.

Her team consisted of three dogs; Alaska, the leader, while Baffin and Herschel followed.

Greenough said the experience was a good one because Denige made sure she was ready for any weather.

"I was bundled up pretty good, it was a fun experience," she said.

Greenough enjoys spending her time drawing and colouring pictures that she sees in her mind.

"I like drawing scenery and people, but I also love drawing animals," she said.

Greenough is back in school next week, but until then she is enjoying her holiday.