Rankin Inlet (Oct 02/06) - Team Nunavut put in a strong showing at its first National Aboriginal Firefighters Competition in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan earlier this month.

The Nunavut squad placed fifth and captured the most sportsmanlike team award at the event.

Aboriginal teams from Nunavut, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec took part in the competition.

Making up Team Nunavut were Adamie Nuna and Luutaaq Qaumagiaq of Cape Dorset, Junior Tiktak and Samson Amarudjuak of Rankin Inlet, Patrick Lyall of Taloyoak, Bobby Kakolak of Kugluktuk and coach Jim Fairbank of Iqaluit.

Amarudjuak, 33, has been with the Rankin Inlet Volunteer Fire Brigade for the past three years.

He says it was a great thrill to be on the first team to represent Nunavut at a national event.

competition was lots of fun and we really learned from the firefighters there," says Amarudjuak. "They're very skilled and awfully fast when they're running the course."

Amarudjuak says the Nunavut firefighters were extremely proud to win the sportsmanlike award, but, next year, they'll have their sights set on bigger accomplishments.

"Nunavut firefighters will always be friendly at the event, but we have to be a bit more competitive and really want to beat the other teams.

"We have to practice more and be determined to do better."