Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Feb 16/00) - Comfort, style, beauty and superior craftsmanship are what's in store for some Rankin residents and visitors Monday.

That is the day Alaittuq high school will be holding a fashion show.

Beginning at 7 p.m., Feb. 21, the show will feature modern versions of traditional caribou and seal-skin garments using new, imported material.

Theresie Tungalik, regional co-ordinator for the Department of Sustainable Development, is organizing the event.

Tungalik has been involved with crafts since her father's death in 1986.

"My love for crafts comes from my father who carved every day of his life. That's how he provided for us," says Tungalik.

The show is part of a variety of activities planned this month to mark the Nunavut legislative assembly's sitting in the hamlet.

Tungalik says she wants to impress visiting MLAs with the quality of Nunavut garments.

"I want the MLAs to know what has been produced right here in Nunavut and the further potential that exists.

"I see the skill here in Nunavut. The more material that becomes available, the more fascinating the items being made.

"There's no limitations to the clothing styles we're producing and comfort is still the number 1 priority."

Tungalik will have an arts and crafts setup, with items for sale and on display, in the large lounge of Kivalliq Hall from Feb. 16-29, with the exception of Sundays.

She will also be promoting items for Sustainable Development which will include arts and crafts from Ivalu Ltd. in Rankin Inlet, the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts in Pangnirtung and the Jessie Oonark Centre in Baker Lake.

The fashion show is aimed at attracting as many prospective buyers as possible and also carries a message to area youth.

"We'll be using students from the three Rankin schools as models to help promote the Stay in School program.

"I also want to give the students a new feeling of what is possible here through arts and crafts and give them a new experience."