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CORAL HARBOUR - The annual fishing derby in Coral Harbour was a resounding success earlier this month, despite the fact committee members had a scant two weeks to fundraise.

Elijah Shapagnak was the big winner, earning $18,000 for the top two catches.

Shapagnak used his winnings to pay cash for a brand-new Honda.

John Eetuk measures a fish under the watchful eye of Dennis Bruce, as Tommy Bruce and Andy Saviakjuk, from left, wait for the result during the fishing derby in Coral Harbour this past week. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Committee head Doris Bruce said the six committee members made good use of their two weeks, raising more than $31,000.

She said the fishing derby is a big event and everyone in the community looks forward to it.

"The fishing derby's arrival means it's time for people to finally be able to go out on the land, and warm enough for the kids to follow," said Bruce.

"We had about 255 people register for the derby, and this is not something where you go 20 minutes out of town.

"The fishing spots are on three lakes about 75 miles from town, which is about six to eight hours by Ski-Doo.

"Our rules say people can fish anywhere on the island, but these are the three places where everyone knows there are big fish."

Bruce said everyone involved with the fishing derby owes a great deal of thanks to those who stepped up and donated so much in such a short period of time.

She said the success of this year's derby shows how well the community pulls together to make good things happen.

She said it "wouldn't have been possible without the efforts" of many local groups and organizations.

"In the sense of community spirit, people such as Susie and Armand Angootealuk helped out, as did Felicity Pameolik, Leonard and Diane Netser, Kanayuk and Mikitok Bruce, Abel Kalai Sr., Noah Kudluk and Pasha and Louie Bruce.

"And finally, we owe thanks to Mary, Emily and Paul Pudlat, Amauyak Eetuk, Simeon Dion, Mina Adams, Jimmy Ningeocheak, Rosie Ookpik and everyone who volunteered to help out."

Derby Winners:

Listed below are the top winners in the annual fishing derby in Coral Harbour, with catch sizes in centimetres and prize amounts:

1. Elijah Shapagnak ($10,000) 89.8
2. Elijah Shapagnak ($8,000) 87.5
3. Davidee Natakok ($6,000) 85.1
4. Mona Netser ($4,000) 84.7
5. Charlie Shapagnak (Two Calm Air tickets) 84.5
6. Keenan Eetuk ($2,000) 84.5
7. Basheba Kolit ($680) 84.2
8. Paul Kolit ($500) 84
9. Jake Netser (One Kivalliq Air ticket) 83.7
10. Davidee Natakok (One Kivalliq Air ticket) 83.7
11. Peter Nakoolak ($260 for returning 18 bags of garbage)