Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Jun 27/01) - Cruise ships anchoring in Rankin Inlet and Arviat this summer mean big business.
Bobby Suluk's family-run Two Wings tourism company is organizing a cultural tour of Sentry Island for the Aug 25 and 27 visits in Arviat. An estimated 180 tourists will descend on the community during the two days.
"By showing people our traditional lifestyle, we hope visitors will tell other people," Suluk said. "We're very hopeful the ships will return next year."
Carving and sewing demonstrations are being planned. Square and drum dancing will be performed.
The owner of Neevee's Coffee Shop, though, said she doubts she'll profit from the visitors. "We'll be busy with renovations. Open, but busy," Neevee Suluk said.
Traditionally, cruise ships stop at Marble Island during the Kivalliq portion of their arctic itinerary. But after some drum dancing and cultural persuasion last year, Le Levant cruise line agreed to try new ports of entry.
A ship is scheduled to stop in Rankin Inlet July 21 and 25.
"It was a big effort on behalf of the community," said Daniel Kreuger, regional tourism co-ordinator for Nunavut Tourism in Rankin Inlet.
Visitors only have five hours on shore, so it's up to local business operators to strut their stuff.
There's also unconfirmed talk of a stop in Whale Cove this summer.
"Whether these ships come back depends on how well organized these communities are. I'm impressed so far. A lot of time and effort has taken place," Kreuger said.
John Wallace, Rankin Inlet's economic development officer, called the ships' pending arrival good news. "Our job is to make sure the infrastructure is in place -- road maintenance, that sort of thing," Wallace said.
