Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 16/02) - Bryan Pearson is excited for the Queen's visit. But the longtime resident of Iqaluit says nothing could ever compare to the royal family's visit in 1970.

Bryan Pearson walks the streets of Iqaluit with the Queen, in 1970. - photo courtesy of Bryan Pearson

He was an MLA at the time, and in charge of planning for the visit.

"It was obvious the people in Ottawa didn't know very much about the community, so they gave me a carte blanche. That's how I became involved in the planning," said Pearson as he recalled the event last week.

He remembered the crowds of people who assembled at the airport and he also remembered the fog. In fact, Pearson said there was so much fog that emergency measures were being prepared to reroute the plane to Ottawa.

The plane continued coming toward the airport and then, suddenly, the fog just lifted.

The Queen and her entourage were in Iqaluit or Frobisher Bay, as it was known at the time, overnight.

She stayed at the Frobisher Inn, which had just recently been completed and she received a tour of the community.

Pearson said they built a beautiful stage in the area where Nakashuk school is now and declared it a community park -- Queen Elizabeth Park.

Each member of the royal family was assigned an interpreter. They also visited displays of Inuit life. Pearson remembers being invited to join the family for a meal.

"It just seemed to me like any other ordinary family having their breakfast," he said. That's what Pearson liked so much about the family -- they weren't afraid to walk down the street and greet people.

Pearson said they showed no fear even at a time when he felt somewhat overwhelmed. He remembers walking down the street with the Queen and having a 100 people from the press in front of them.

"They were fighting and fighting for a picture. I often wondered how she'd put up with this her whole life," said Pearson.

His wish for this visit was for the Queen to be able to see how much has changed in Iqaluit. But he said three hours is just not enough time.

"As long as people get a chance to see the Queen. That's important. I'm going away but I would really like to reminisce with her," said Pearson.

"I'm a monarchist. I always have been."

The Queen returns to Iqaluit on Oct. 4 as part of a Canadian celebration of the Golden Jubilee.