Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Sep 28/05) - If I build it, they will come.

That was the message elder Ollie Ittinuar delivered to Rankin Inlet hamlet council during the summer of 2004.

Ittinuar, Rankin's oldest citizen, had a vision for development on the land at the Thule Site, about a 15-minute ride outside of the hamlet.

But Ittinuar wasn't thinking of development in the modern sense.

The elder wanted to see pieces of Inuit history on display at the site and he wanted them to be authentic.

The hamlet secured $16,000 in project funding from Economic Development and Tourism through the Community Initiatives program and kicked in another $2,440 in equity.

In following Ittinuar's wishes for authenticity, an order was placed to have trees secured and flown to Rankin.

Ittinuar designed the house and oversaw the work of Sonny Ittinuar, Thomas Suvissak, Densis Kaput, Joseph Nakoolak, Jerry Ell, Simon Twyee, Lanny Okpatauyak, Samuel Ayaruak and Clifford Kaput on the project.

Ittinuar's wife, Lizzie, directed the sewing of caribou skins for the roof.

She was joined by Maggie Akerolik, Savikok Ningeocheak, Adele Angidlik and Meekalee Naulalik.

More than 100 people attended the official opening of the traditional sod house on Sept. 22.

After Ittinuar thanked the hamlet for securing the funding for the project and expressing pride in the finished work, he turned the proceedings over Rankin Mayor Lorne Kusugak.

The mayor called the opening a special day for Rankin, and said the sod house provides a glimpse into the rich history of Inuit culture.

"The sod house is important to our past, present and future," Kusagak told the gathering.

"Hopefully, the day will come when people can visit this site and also see an iglu, kayak and numerous other items representing the various stages of Inuit history."

Tourist attraction

SAO John Hodgson said the sod house has already become a popular stop for travellers out on the land.

He said further development might help improve tourism numbers in the area.

"As the mayor said, having the sod house is important to preserving Inuit history and having something to remind our youth of their proud history," said Hodgson.

"If we are able to further develop the area with displays as impressive as this one, it would definitely have the potential to increase the number of visitors to our community every year."