ARVIAT/RANKIN INLET
Gord Billard and Eric Anoee of the Arviat Film Society (AFS) decided it was time for some of the society's younger film hawks to leave the nest on their own earlier this month.

Arviat Film Society youth members Kevin Mikiyungiak, left, and Paulie Issumatarjuak Jr.are all smiles while wearing autographed Jordin Tootoo sweaters at Rose and Barney Tootoo's in Rankin Inlet earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Arviat Film Society

The society had planned a trip to Rankin Inlet to film the inaugural Terence Tootoo Memorial (TTM) Calm Air Cup senior men's hockey championship, as well as possibly a couple of other projects, when Billard and Anoee agreed it was time to let the younger AFS members take on a project without Billard's guidance.

Billard said he's the only one the young AFS members have worked with for a while, and the society would be better served by Anoee going to Rankin to mentor the young members in action.

He said the team of Anoee (mentor), Evano Jr. Aggark (manager) and youth members Robyn Koomuk, Kevin Mikiyungiak and Paulie Jr. Issumatarjuak stayed in touch electronically to keep him updated on their progress.

"At first Eric (Anoee) was encouraging me to come along, but I felt it would be better for them to take this project on by themselves," said Billard.

"Let's face it, I'm not going to be here forever, and this was a good time to let them run the project, apply what I've taught them in the past six weeks, see what they could do with it and find out what they may learn from the experience.

"Eric then agreed with the idea, and Evano (Jr. Aggark) went to Rankin a few days ahead of the game to set everything up and prepare the field for everybody else and, although he was a little apprehensive at first, he did a great job.

"It was, more than anything, a question of them proving to themselves they can do it without assistance."

In addition to shooting the TTM on March 18 and 19, the AFS crew filmed a piece on the famous trophy room in Barney and Rose Tootoo's home during their three days together as a full crew.

At least two other members of the AFS were scheduled to make the Rankin trip, but a series of blizzards and harsh weather hit the region to end those plans.

Billard is now ready to look at the final proof in the pudding by going over hours of footage the crew shot in Rankin.

After that, his priority will shift to editing the footage into a enjoyable package for TV, and distributing the finished work.

"I'm anxious to see the footage, put it together in a pleasing format to watch on Channel 19 in Arviat, and send it to Rankin to be shown on the local cable station there," said Billard.

Anoee enjoyed being the boots on the ground and mentoring the young crew in Rankin.

He said he agreed with Billard's idea of having the crew take on the project, because he came to realize it was necessary.

"We have to attract new people (into the AFS) or we're going to be on shaky ground very soon," said Anoee.

"Gord is right, he's not going to be around forever and we're only delaying the inevitable by depending on him.

"And, not only do we need to attract new people, we need to do whatever's necessary to have more people capable of working effectively on their own.

"The Rankin project would not have been possible if not for our sponsors, the Hamlet of Arviat, Nanuq Lodge, Calm Air, Agnico Eagle Mines community initiative fund and the Rankin Inlet Senior Men's Hockey League."

Anoee said everything went very well during the three complete days the crew was in Rankin.

He said they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the people of Rankin Inlet.

"It was touching so many people stepped up to help us, and our work in Rankin went well because of that.

"We don't have a lot of money, so we had to scrounge and ask around for help, and we were blown away by how many people stepped up to help.

"We kind of knew about the buzz that takes over Rankin whenever it hosts a major hockey tournament, but being able to experience it first-hand was very impressive.

"Rankin has some good people who are totally dedicated to hockey, and, because of them, it has a well-run hockey program, and when the inside of the arena gets so loud and crazy, all you can do is look on in awe."

Anoee said the plan for the Rankin trip included more than the TTM, and the crew was able to interview Rose and Barney Tootoo and get some good footage in their trophy room.

He said the AFS members are fortunate Rose and Barney are such well-grounded people.

"It was really storming out, but they opened their door to our youngest members and welcomed them with open arms.

"The trip was kind of like testing the waters with this young crew, but, with what we had to work with and how they performed, I'm pretty sure the kids can be depended upon.

"Again, I can't say enough about how much people in Rankin helped us, including the Nanuq Lodge, which donated our rooms to the project, and members of senior hockey like Troy Aksalnik and David Clark, who made sure we were taken care of and all our needs were met."

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