Rankin Inlet (Dec 15/03) - The Career Fair held in Rankin Inlet this past week attracted hundreds of people at the community centre Dec. 7-9.

The event was funded by Kivalliq Partners in Development through the federal department of indian and northern affairs.

Event organizer Patrick Tagoona said he was impressed with both the number of people who attended the fair and the level of interest shown in the various career booths.

"We had a number of students turn up as well as a lot of older people in the community," said Tagoona.

"There was a lot of interest shown in the booths, including the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Red River College, Nunavut Arctic College and the Canadian Forces (CF), just to name a few."

First Nations comedians Don Burnstick and DerRic Starlite entertained the crowds and, at the same time, addressed a number of social issues that challenge aboriginal people across Canada.

"Both Don and DerRic were a big hit with the crowds and warmly received by the community," he said.

Capt. Frank Bird and Warrant Officer Floyd Powder of the CF recruiting detachment in Yellowknife were in Rankin for the fair.

Bird said the two were there to increase awareness of the different courses and programs available for aboriginals, adding he was quite impressed by how well organized the event was.

"We run a course every year in Quebec, which is basically a three-week test drive for aboriginal youth to experience the Forces, obligation free," said Bird.

"If they like the experience they can join the regular force and, if not, we send them home with a $1,200 bonus."

Bird said the CF booth attracted a lot of interest during the fair.