Inuvik (Oct 15/04) - It was smiles and handshakes all around at the grand opening of the Aurora Campus in Inuvik Friday afternoon.

Joining community members and college staff and students were a host of dignitaries whose speeches were peppered with humorous anecdotes from their own days as students.

"Thank goodness for caribou meat and Kraft Dinner," said NWT Commissioner Glenna Hansen of her college days, to much laughter from those in attendance.

Not to be outdone by Hansen was Finance Minister and Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland.

"I remember taking some management courses (at the college) back when I was a tradesperson and they must have helped some," he quipped.

Roland said he was already looking forward to attending the first graduation ceremony in the new building.

Next up was Education, Culture and Employment Minister Charles Dent. He credited Roland with beating a path to his office to discuss building the new college so often "that he wore a path in the carpet."

Other dignitaries included chair of Aurora College Board of Governors Earl Jacobsen, board of governors president Maurice Evans, Speaker of the House David Krutko and Harold Cook from the Grollier Hall Healing Society, who made some poignant remarks.

Wounds heal

"Today's opening will heal a wound. And from this day on this spot will be where dreams can be fulfilled," Cook said in reference to the college being constructed at the site of the Grollier Hall residential school. "Let us look to the future and help our people achieve their dreams and goals."

A definite step up from the college's old digs on Distributor Street, the new campus on Loucheux Road boasts a library, canteen and two computer labs. With these new amenities -- previously located separate from the old campus -- now all under one roof, campus director Miki O'Kane couldn't be more pleased.

"This is just a beautiful building that is not only modern, but will allow us to be even more student-focused," she said.

Currently, there are 60 full-time students studying at the new $12 million campus under the tutelage of 10 instructors and several sessional teachers.

In terms of design, the new state-of-the-art building has many unique features, including heated tiles on the first floor and skylights which capture optimum light during winter months.

There are also window screens that minimize heat gain within the building in summer when the sun is up for most of the day.

Residence not included

However, with all of the bells, whistles and upgrades in facilities, there is one thing the college lacks: a residence.

Though nothing has been made official, the plan is to construct a student residence in the near future.

Last to address those assembled was Gwich'in Tribal Council President Fred Carmichael, who wasted no time in lobbying the territorial politicians on this matter.

"We'll continue to push for it so I'll put you on notice now," he said looking in the direction of Dent, Krutko and Roland.

Then addressing all educators and assembled students, Carmichael had these words of thanks and inspiration.

"Education starts at kindergarten and continues throughout one's life," he said, adding that all teachers deserve much credit for their dedication. "And to the students, I'm getting a little grey (so) we're going to need some new leaders soon.