The biggest crowd in years gathers at the Aboriginal Day barbecue sponsored by Kissarvik Coop and the local detachment of the RCMP in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Celebrating Aboriginal Day
Large crowd takes part in annual Co-op, RCMP event
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
RANKIN INLET
Hundreds of people came out to enjoy tasty treats, watch the judging of traditional attire and take in the community spirit during the Aboriginal Day barbecue in Rankin Inlet on June 22.
The annual event, sponsored by Kissarvik Co-op and the local detachment of the RCMP, had to be postponed for a day due to bad weather.
Co-op general manager Walter Morey said he was more than pleased with the huge throng or people who jammed the space between the store and fire station for the barbecue.
He said everyone, from young kids to elders, seemed to have a great time.
"This was one of the most successful Aboriginal Day barbecues we've ever held," said Morey.
"We went through quite a bit of product during the afternoon, including 700 hotdogs and 400 hamburgers.
"I don't really know how much juice was mixed-up, but we went through lots of it."
Morey said the barbecue partnership between the Co-op and RCMP has been going on for about seven years.
He said the RCMP donate toward the cost of the barbecue, and members always show up to man the barbecue and help with the proceedings.
"This was the first time we held the traditional dress contest, and it seemed to
go over quite well.
"Our three winners were Annie Tatty in first, Thomas Tudlik in second and Danielle Sammurtok in third.
"The contest brought something a little extra to the event and may have encouraged a few extra people to come out.
"I had to make a tough decision to postpone the barbecue the day before, which was both the official Aboriginal Day and Father's Day, so I was certainly pleased with how the weather turned out on the 22nd and the great crowd of people we had come out and enjoy it."
The RCMP/Co-op barbecue has become the staple of Aboriginal Day activities in Rankin.
Morey said he's proud to co-host the event because the Co-op is a community organization controlled by Inuit.
He said, in that sense, Aboriginal Day is a day for the community to celebrate itself.
"It's a day when we give back to the community and we don't expect anything back in return.
"It's very well received and I hope it remains that way for a very long time.
"We had a great turnout of elders this year, so we set up some tables and chairs on one side to make things a little easier for them.
"Our local president, Noah Tiktak, was serving them and he was also a big part of the day's success."
