Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 05/99) - There may have been more people, lights and cameras in Iqaluit, but nowhere was the emotion and significance of the birth of Nunavut felt more strongly than in the Kitikmeot.

"The thing I'll always remember are the opening ceremonies," recalled Louise Anaija of the celebration in Taloyoak. "There was such feeling in the air, of anticipation as well as accomplishment."

Anaija said the celebration in Taloyoak ended with the first-ever fireworks display. Many people braved the -35 C temperatures to witness the display.

"All along the shore you could hear people oohing and aahing," said Anaija.

Sharon Ehaloak reported that in Cambridge Bay it was standing room only in the community centre when the countdown to April 1 took place.

"It was a heart-warming day," said Ehaloak. "The celebration went wonderfully. The whole community was involved, from the kids to the elders, including the cadets, RCMP and our community agencies."

The Cambridge Bay celebration included readings of the entries in a contest that asked youth to describe what Nunavut meant to them. Among those who read was Marlene Hakongak, who dedicated her story to her grandmother, May. A respected community elder, May passed away earlier this year.

The mood was the same in the other Kitikmeot communities. Each organized their celebrations to maximize the joy and highlight the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

The community of Pelly Bay celebrated with an opening ceremony at the community hall along with a feast and a traditional drum dance. And in Kugluktuk, the Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik School celebrated with a school assembly and a drum dance.