Rankin Inlet (May 05/04) - Two priests who have devoted much of their life's work to Inuit will be honoured by the King of Belgium in Rankin Inlet later this month.

Belgium's ambassador to Canada will be in Rankin from May 20 to 30 and will make the presentation.

Bishop Reynald Rouleau says Rankin parish priest Jusipi Meeus is one of the two being honoured.

He says community input should play an important roll in plans for the presentations.

"Rankin Mayor Lorne Kusugak was on holidays while I was in Rankin and I'll have to speak with him before we can finalize all the details of the presentation," says Rouleau.

"It's an official visit to Nunavut by the ambassador, so I need input from the mayor on exactly what we can organize together during his visit.

"We hope to have the presentation take place on May 30, but the rest of the details have to be finalized with the community."

Rev. Charles Choque, who now resides in Ottawa, will also be honoured during the Rankin ceremony.

Rouleau says the two priests are being recognized by their native country for their long involvement with Inuit culture, and their dedication to human and community development.

"While it has made its way through the channels of the church, it's not a church decoration as such, but more of a civil decoration.

"But, at the same time, we cannot disassociate their religious motivation from their efforts."

Both Meeus and Choque are Canadian citizens and the recognition has been accepted by the Government of Canada.

Rev. Meeus has spent about 53 years in the Canadian North, the first 15 in Northern Quebec and the rest in Nunavut.

Rev. Choque spent about 35 years in Nunavut and another 20 in Ottawa.

"He (Rev. Choque) has written a number of books which look at the history of the diocese and its role in the North, so he's still quite connected to Nunavut.

"Father Meuss is still active in Rankin, of course, as the parish priest."