Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Apr 06/99) - A 30-minute delay and bone-chilling winds whipping across the hamlet, dropping the temperature below -40 C, couldn't do anything to chill the spirits of the large group of people who gathered to celebrate the official flag raising ceremony in Rankin Inlet on Nunavut Day.

There was a thunderous ovation and loud cheers as the new flag slowly started to unfurl, seeming to grow ever brighter as it inched its way to its rightful spot above the hamlet office.

Faces beamed and miniature Nunavut flags waved everywhere as those gathered burst with pride at seeing their own territorial flag fluttering proudly against the bright blue Arctic sky.

Despite the numbing cold, a feeling of warmth abounded as more than a few in attendance felt their eyes misting up from more than the stinging breeze.

Richard Tiktak said the realization of what was finally about to happen first started to really dawn on him the night before, during a Ski-Doo rally and parade that was an early celebration of the birth of Nunavut.

Dressed from head to toe in dazzling caribou skins and looking like a walking testament to Inuit culture and tradition, Tiktak spoke with pride about the birth of the new territory.

"I started to feel last night like we're finally going to get the chance to govern ourselves," said Tiktak. "We'll have our own voice, the voice of our own people. I have great confidence our leaders will be able to understand us and what we want, especially our kids.

"I'm very happy this day has become a reality during my time. While I was growing up, the previous government was always telling us to do this and do that. I hope everybody will be working together so that our Nunavut will become a strong Nunavut for our children and their children after them."

While elders gathered to take part in games, watch official coverage from Iqaluit on TV and celebrate their territory's coming of age, their kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren converged on the arena for an afternoon of culture and celebration.

Although wrapped up in the fun of different games and culinary treats, many of the younger children present watching the colourful events had a sense that something very special was happening this particular day.

Alex Angidlik, his eyes dancing as he watched the traditional games going on at the recreation centre, said everyone he knew was very happy about Nunavut Day.

"We talked about it lots in school and I think everything will be better now," said the youngster. "This Nunavut Day makes me very, very happy."