Repulse Bay (Aug 27/03) - Residents of Repulse Bay had 20,500 reasons to celebrate on Saturday. That's the size, in square kilometres, of the new national park encompassing Wager Bay.

Monica Natsalak provided some of the music for the celebrations in Repulse Bay on Saturday. - Yose Cormier/NNSL photo

Prime Minister Jean Chretien officially established Ukkusiksalik National Park, named after the soapstone found there, in Iqaluit on Saturday.

The celebrations continued in Repulse Bay following the signing of the agreement, but without Chretien.

"We're all happy to see it. We've been waiting for it for a while. But it's sad that he wasn't coming. I wish he could have been here and see what a nice community this is," said Chris Tungilik.

And he wasn't the only one feeling a bit let down.

"People were looking forward to the prime minister's visit, but unfortunately it was in Iqaluit," said Simeonie Kopak, a little disappointed but still pleased with the celebrations in his community.

About 70 people who made the flight from Repulse Bay were in Iqaluit for the signing celebrations.

The park comes with a number of benefits for the Kivalliq Inuit, including a $3 million grant going towards economic opportunities associated with the park.

"There will also be long term benefits," said Steve Mapsalak, mayor of Repulse.

He is looking forward to the day when the Parks Canada office is opened.

"We were told there would be five new jobs for the community," Mapsalak said.

Another big impact could be tourist money generated through the park.

Mayors from the other Kivalliq communities were invited to attend the celebrations, as this was a ceremony for the whole region.

"Who knows what the future will bring, but it might be benefits for all the communities," said Peter Kritaqliluk, Arviat mayor.