RANKIN INLET - Students at Leo Ussak Elementary School in Rankin Inlet enjoyed a cool way of celebrating Nunavut Education Week this month.

Sakkataaq Zawadski and Jesse Qiyuk, right, spend some time in an iglu during Nunavut Education Week activities at Leo Ussak Elementary School in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The students took turns attending a cultural camp from April 19 to 23 on the land near Area 6 in Rankin.

The camp highlighted this year's Nunavut Education Week theme of Learning with Tradition, Culture and Innovation.

The camp was planned and organized by teacher Delores Kent and Noah Tiktak, and featured activities such as iglu building, ice fishing, sled making and storytelling.

Kent said a lot of planning went into the camp.

She said Tiktak had a list of activities he wanted at the camp, and the names of skilled elders who could help with them.

"Noah did a lot of the groundwork and then I drew up a schedule for the students," said Kent.

"The camp was just awesome and the kids had a great time all week.

"We planned for about 12 students and nine staff members to camp at the iglu overnight during the last night of the camp.

"It was just amazing to watch the kids out there taking part in all the activities."

Kent said the camp extended beyond the school to become more of a community project, and she hopes it becomes an annual event at the school.

She said parents played a big role by having their kids ready to attend the camp each day, and by dropping in from time to time to show their support.

"We owe a big thank you to the people in the community who were very helpful and provided support for the cultural week activities.

"That includes the elders for their continued support, and the positive energy they brought every day to make our camp successful.

"Hamlet works supervisor Arnie Brown provided vehicles and manpower to transport supplies, and the hamlet also plowed the camp road twice when a storm blew in during the weekend.

"Local hunters Paul Sanertanut and Simon Kowmak provided the traditional food, while the Northern store, David Lowe, Jesse Payne, Kevin Bussey, Ashley Dean and the students of Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik also helped out with the camp."