RANKIN INLET - More than 600 people took part in the 15th annual Nunavut Day celebrations in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The event was spearheaded by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), with strong support from the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) and the hamlet of Rankin Inlet.

There were a number of activities offered throughout the day, including races, a cribbage tournament, tug of wars, a dice game, a Scrabble tournament, face painting and lots of great prizes and tasty treats.

NTI director of wildlife Gabriel Nirlungayuk said the event was well received by the community.

"You would absolutely have to say the event was a success based on the number of people we had out to the festivities," he said.

"NTI makes an effort to ensure the festivities are special in each region every year, whether it's out of our office in Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay or Iqaluit.

"This was our 15th year doing this and we benefitted from having a lot more help this time out from volunteers, as well as the KIA and the hamlet.

"There were lots of activities for everybody to enjoy and that's what it's all about."

Rankin Mayor Lorne Kusugak said he was actually quite impressed with the number of people who took part in this year's Nunavut Day celebrations.

"The discussion around every circle I was in was that Nunavut is a good thing and that's always nice to hear," said Kusugak.

"I usually spend Nunavut Day at the Diane River, so this was the first time I was in town for it in quite some time and it looked a healthy day for everyone.

"NTI did the big push, with the hamlet's recreation department supplying staff and making all the facilities available, while the KIA, drop-in centre and elders' recreation committee all pitched in to help.

"I should also point out Eddy Sandy volunteered to help a lot as well, as he almost always does when there's a big event in town."

Kusugak said he enjoyed all the events, but there was one in particular that left him smiling for a few days after the gathering.

He said the highlight of the day for him was participating in the Montreal vs. Toronto tug of war and seeing the Montreal fans win every category.

"That says a lot to the standing of the two teams these days, when you really think about it," Kusugak said.

"It was good to see the event so well organized because it allowed for kids to play in one section while the adults were in the area in front of the school and arena.

"The people who weren't all that active had plenty of room to listen to the music and watch the events, while, at the same time, there were activities going on around the lake and cribbage and Scrabble tournaments being held inside the old curling club.

"Everything was maximized and the weather co-operated too, giving us a beautiful day for it all."

Rankin resident David Tulugak has taken in a number of Nunavut Day celebrations in his hometown over the years.

Tulugak said this year's festivities were a lot of fun to attend.

He said it was a great day to get out and spend some time with a lot of people you may not see all that much.

"It was good to see so many in the community out enjoying themselves, especially the elders," said Tulugak.

"I enjoyed the boat races and the tug of wars, especially the Toronto fans vs. the Montreal fans.

"It was pretty funny to see the Montreal fans win the men's, women's and kids' tug of war, and then have the first three guys to paddle across the finish line in the boat race all be Montreal fans too."

Tulugak also enjoyed the food.

"The food was really, really great at the event," he said.

"I really enjoyed the hotdogs, except they didn't have my favourite topping - onions.

"My granddaughter, Jada Lillian Tulugak, is only 19 months old and she really enjoyed having a hamburger.

"I had to laugh when I saw her eat the whole thing."