Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

RANKIN INLET - The cadet program in Rankin Inlet is back on solid footing after Dorothy Tootoo passed her basic officer qualification course this past month.

Cadet Mary Kaput and Pte. Mary Tagalik, centre, are presented the 2007 Traditional Performing Artists Award by Norma LaFeurgey. The Rankin cadet program is back on solid footing after Dorothy Tootoo passed her basic officer qualification course earlier this summer. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Every Canadian cadet corps is required to have at least one person with the basic officer qualification.

The two-week course at Albert Head near Victoria, B.C., was tougher than Tootoo ever imagined it would be.

Tootoo said while the physical elements weren't that bad, the long days and vast amounts of information made for some strenuous times.

She said she was still wearing a jacket when she left Rankin, and it was sweltering hot when she arrived in B.C.

"Our days began at 5:30 a.m. and, although lights out was supposed to be at 11 p.m., it was usually close to midnight when you got to bed," said Tootoo.

"Going to bed at midnight after being up at 5:30 a.m. isn't normal for me.

"I haven't polished as many boots in my life as I did during those two weeks."

"I'm sure it would have been easier if I'd had a better idea of what to expect, but I didn't have a clue."

With Jennifer Perry of Repulse Bay also passing the course this summer, the Kivalliq now has two cadet leaders with their basic officer qualifications.

Tootoo said she decided to take the course rather than risk having the Rankin cadets shutdown due to the lack of a qualified leader.

She said there were only civilian instructors left after Tim Hinds left for Iqaluit and Tom Rogers retired this past year.

"My training is still ongoing and there's still many, many things I have to learn.

"It's an ongoing process for me, that's for sure."

Tootoo said she feels a lot better about her position now because she knows what's expected of her and why.

She said she had no idea of everything involved with the program because she didn't come up through the cadet ranks.

"I only stepped into the world of cadets about 18 months ago and I've been the commanding officer for the past year.

"Prior to that I had no military experience whatsoever, so a lot of it for me has been learning the proper etiquette and protocols of military life."