CHESTERFIELD INLET - Plans were in the works to have 10 elder portraits done by Manitoban artist Gerald Kuehl play a role in the hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet's 30th anniversary celebrations this week in Chester.

Chesterfield Inlet Mayor Harry Tootoo presents elder Tony Amauyak, right, with a pencil portrait done by Manitoban artist Gerald Kuehl in Chester earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Gerald Kuehl

Mayor Harry Tootoo said the portraits were very well received by the elders depicted in them.

He said the hamlet has been so busy for the past few weeks, it hasn't had the time to get them hung properly in the council chamber.

"As soon as they're properly placed in the chamber, we'll invite everyone in who would like to see them," said Tootoo.

"To me, it's a very good idea to have these portraits hanging in the council chamber.

"Further down the road, when these people are no longer with us, their faces will be there and people will remember them.

"Having these portraits is a good start, from a historical perspective, so people can always see who was involved with the hamlet and our community."

Tootoo said the portraits should also help to promote community pride, which is important for Chester right now.

He said a number of younger children in the community should take some pride, when they grow older, in pointing out the portraits of family members hanging in the chamber.

"This is a big year for us, being the 30th anniversary of our hamlet.

"It's also the first year we're having a slogan for our Hamlet Days, which is, Stepping Forward.

"There's been too much negative publicity about Chester in the past because of the residential school, the church and that kind of stuff.

"We're trying to put all that behind us and move ahead, and that's what our slogan implies."

The people of Chester have been entering their ideas to name Chester's annual Hamlet Days celebrations, such as what's done with Toonik Tyme in Iqaluit or Pakallak Tyme in Rankin.

The person who has their name selected will receive $500 from the hamlet's recreation committee.

Tootoo said there are a number of dignitaries expected to appear at the 30th anniversary celebration.

"Premier Eva Aariak, Minister Lorne Kusugak and our MLA, John Ningeongan, were all confirmed to take part in celebrating with us.

"We're holding six days of activities to celebrate both our anniversary and our stepping forward from the past, so this is a pretty important celebration for the people of Chesterfield Inlet."