Iqaluit (June 30/03) - It was a phone call out of the blue that changed everything for Helen Roos-Hopkins.

She was working on her Ph.D in Canadian history when the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs called her about a job in the North.

Helen Roos-Hopkins helps co-ordinate Canada Day events across Nunavut. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

June 1999, a pivotal time for Nunavut, also turned out to be a big time for the young academic when she arrived in Nunavut.

She now works for Canadian Heritage helping to make sure Canada Day activities across Nunavut run smoothly.

"I think there's a big sense of patriotism in Nunavut," said Roos-Hopkins on Wednesday. "I think Inuit are very proud to display their culture, their unique perspective to show, 'Yes, we are Canadian.' This is the type of diversity that makes us all Canadians."

It takes Roos-Hopkins, and two other Canadian Heritage staff members based in Iqaluit, the full year to deliver the Celebrate Canada! programs that end with Canada Day.

With just a $30,000 budget, the team consults with committees across Canada and recreation co-ordinators to ensure every community in Nunavut is happy.

"We can't force a community to celebrate Canada," she said. "But the program is here."

Roos-Hopkins stresses that the recreation co-ordinators in every community are really the ones we should all be applauding when it comes to Canada Day celebrations.

Her office primarily deals with ensuring the communities have the money they need to carry out their unique events.

Originally from London, ON., Roos-Hopkins thinks Northern events are truly spectacular.

"Inuit are really on the mark to show Southern Canadians 'yes we are Canadian, yes we are distinct.' We have unique traditions," she said.

"They make a conscious effort that on Canada Day they're teaching their kids traditional games, they're doing throat singing, they're making special meals."