Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Feb 06/02) - The number of kids joining the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in Rankin Inlet is on a dramatic upswing.

The corps has more than doubled its numbers during the past year, with 53 officially registered.

There were 25 cadets in 2000-01, with 15 showing up on a consistent basis.

Corps commander Tim Hinds says he would class 45 of the cadets in this year's program as solid attenders.

Rankin was named as the Northern Region's most improved cadet corps for 2000.

The cadet season traditionally runs from fall to the following spring, or, from the start of school to about a month after it finishes in June.

Hinds says the turnaround of the past few years has been remarkable.

"About three years ago, we struggled to have just one kid with perfect attendance throughout the cadet season, and, last year, we didn't have anybody with perfect attendance," says Hinds.

"In 2001-02, we're about two-thirds of the way through the year and we have six with perfect attendance and another five who have only missed one meeting. Sometimes I worry we're treating them too well."

The local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion donated $1,000 to the cadets to be used towards the purchase of sports equipment.

The hamlet then stepped forward to help with the cadet's sports program by donating two hours a week at the Maani Ulujuk school gym on Sundays, complete with instructor.

The Rankin cadets have also received help from the Evaz Group, the Nunavut Power Corp. and the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre.

"We've received small donations and donations in kind from various businesses and organizations within the community. The cadets are extremely grateful for the help they've received," says Hinds

With the rise in numbers, more cadets are being promoted.

The Rankin corps recently had nine cadets advance. Marylee Anawak was made a private and Jerry Saumik, Aaron Autut, Shereena Aupilardjuk and Andre Aokaut obtained the rank of corporal.

Martin Kanayok and Jessica Rose Ikummaq were made master corporals and Alastair Sammurtok is now a sergeant.

"We're also in the process of expanding our competition rifle areas.

"I guess you could say it's a pretty exciting time to be involved with the Rankin cadets right now."