Iqaluit (Apr 19/04) - Since the 1920s the Inuit have done a lot to help the RCMP establish a presence in the North.

For that reason, police in Iqaluit are paying tribute for Inuit support. On April 5, Const. Mark Tindall and guide Joshua Kango travelled to Kimmirut by dog team.

The two re-created the journey Mounties travelled regularly until the early 1960s. The trip is also to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Nunavut.

"The Kimmirut trail is an important link between the two communities," said Tindall.

He said that for 40 years, Mounties helped by Inuit guides travelled Nunavut's trail by dog team to deliver mail and supplies to the people in communities. The practice ended with the arrival of planes and snowmobiles.

"We want to recognize the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ, traditional knowledge) RCMP relied on when they first arrived," Tindall said. "The Inuit taught the police how to survive on the land."

The two planned to keep their journey as authentic as possible.

Kango provided traditional caribou clothing and food for the trip. The two will overnight in iglus, instead of the cabins that line the trail.

Tindall said the round trip from Iqaluit to Kimmirut is expected to take about 10 days.

"A round trip by snowmobile takes about six hours," he said.

Tindall said the trip would be a great learning experience for him.

"I want to learn more about living on the land and the traditional way of life," he said.

The two are expected to arrive back in Iqaluit by April 14.