Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 18, 2007

RANKIN INLET - After seeing Victor Towtongie every day at the playground, nine-year-old Rayn Pilakaspi was wondering whether it belonged to him.

Victor Towtongie celebrates his day as the playground by the Sugar Rush Cafe in Rankin Inlet is named after him. Neighbourhood kids and playground regulars Leona Kanayok, 10, and Mikey Okalik, 9 came out for the barbecue and his mother Hakuluk Towtongie also came along for the party. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

On July 13 a sign put up by the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet confirmed that the place was in fact, 'Victor's playground.'

Mentally handicapped, Towtongie has spent nearly everyday at the playground since he was 12.

Now over 30, his time taking care of the local children has paid off as the place was declared his own.

"It didn't matter whose kids they are, yours or mine, he treated them all with respect," said Rankin Inlet Mayor Lorne Kusugak.

Hamlet Coun. Justin Merritt said the hamlet decided a year ago to put up the sign, since all the kids referred to the playground as Victor's anyways, also in recognition of what he does for the kids.

"He takes care of them, brings them home if they're hurt," said Merritt.

Kusugak told the crowd that gathered for the sign's unveiling about his memories of Towtongie. He remembered one instance of him riding a bike, towing three kids on a sled.

Towtongie will be pulling more kids on the new bike he received from the hamlet, as well as new shoes and a new jacket.

Pilakaspi had some dirt to share about the hero of the day.

"Victor always lies," said Pilakaspi.

What about?

"He says, Look, there's a plane!"

Towtongie's parents were also there for the ceremony and were recognized.

"Not too bad," said his mother Hakuluk Towtongie about her son's accomplishments. "He's always happy.