The ceremony in the Nunavut legislative assembly, Jan. 14, was bright with Mountie red serge uniforms, polished boots, famous stetson hats cocked just right, and the rapt attention of family members.

Although awarding the eight recruits with their police badges was the centrepiece of the event, the afternoon was also important for the official change in command of "V" Division.

Change of command

Chief Supt. Vern White will be leaving Nunavut to take on a director generalship with the Solicitor General's office in Ottawa.

New commander of "V" Division is Chief Supt. John Henderson.

Premier Paul Okalik was present, as was Nunavut Commissioner Peter Irniq, to witness this latest sign of a territory maturing in its self-governance.

The eight constables hail from all over Nunavut, but will be serving in places other than their home communities.

But the important thing is that they are Inuit.

It's a theme the senior dignitaries carried in their remarks.

"This is an important opportunity for the youth of Nunavut to see themselves in us," said White.

The eight newest members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are Russell Akeeagok (from Ausuittuq/Grise Fiord), Kipaniq Eegeesiak (Iqaluit), George Henrie (Kangiqliniq/Rankin Inlet), Annie Keenainak (Panniqtuuq), Nathan MacKay (Kugluktuk), Michael Salomonie (Kinngait/Cape Dorset), Jamie Savikataaq (Arviat), and Sylvia Sharp (Rankin Inlet).

The most touching moment of the event was Const. Keenainak receiving her badge from her father.

Simeonie Keenainak served for 21 years in the RCMP and was a pillar of strength to daughter Annie.

Dream come true

"I was very happy that my father was here to present my badge to me," Const. Keenainak said.

"It has been a dream of mine that I would go through this."

Annie's parents supported her decision to join the Mounties all along the way, especially through the rigours of boot camp in Regina.

"There were days when I was ready to go home, but my dad helped me to be able to deal with it," Annie Keenainak said, the emotions welling up inside her as she spoke to reporters after the ceremony.

The eight new officers bring the Inuit presence in the Nunavut force up to 15 per cent.

Each knows that the eyes of their community are fully on them.

"We take on that role as a role model and young people look up to that," Const. Keenainak said.

"I will take that role one day at a time."

"Oh for sure," agreed Const. Eegeesiak, surrounded by more than a dozen family members proud of his accomplishment. "I'd like to see more Inuit go into the Force."

There are many opportunities to specialize skills, and Eegeesiak plans to try everything he can.

"I'm going to keep my head open and go into as many sections (specialized departments) as I can," he said, although right now forensics -- the science of collecting evidence -- is high on his list.