Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Oct 28/05) - For most Northerners, an afternoon at the ballpark with beers and hotdogs is as foreign a concept as driving a skidoo through Toronto.

Khalid Ali of Index Collections in Inuvik with his cap collection. The caps sell well to youth. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Baseball caps are something else though, a fashion statement worn with style and pride, according to Holman hipster Eric Kagyut.

"I wear any kind of cap, as long as it looks cool."

For Kagyut, acquiring these caps can be a bit of a chore.

"I picked up my last cap while I was in Inuvik this past summer," said Kagyut.

"Going south is like, the only way of getting them. Unless you get one as a gift."

Trevor Okheena, who also lives in Holman agreed that trips south are the best opportunity to pick up new lids, regardless of why you're there.

"I was in Yellowknife for medical reasons in September and got my new 'Nike' hat there," said Okheena.

Colours and logos aren't as important as individuality when it comes to these caps, said Inuvik businessman Khalid Ali.

"These kids come in to the store, and they'll all buy caps, as long as they're all different styles," said Ali.

"You can't wear the same hat as others I guess," laughed Ali.

Ali owns and operates the Index Collection; a fashion clothing store in Inuvik that does a lot of business with youth who live in the outlying communities. "Index has a pretty good selection, I bought my latest cap from him," said Kagyut.

Purchasing all sorts of caps leaves one with quite the collection, said Okheena.

"I have, I don't know, maybe 15 caps hanging on my wall in my room."

Kagyut also has a large selection to choose from. "Yeah, there are about 20 caps on my wall," said Kagyut.

"Keeping the caps on the wall is sort of for display, as well as for easy access."

Gerald Noksana, originally from Tuktoyaktuk now lives in Inuvik attending school. His caps will be with him for a while yet.

"I still keep my collection fresh, but I'm happy with the one I wear now," said Noksana.

"But who knows, I might see another cool one soon."