RANKIN INLET - Sally Luttmer makes the trip back to Rankin Inlet on an annual basis and every so often, she brings a group of curious visitors along with her.

Sally Luttmer, right, and Jean Williamson take a casual stroll through the crowd during Nunavut Day activities in Rankin Inlet in July of 2008. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Luttmer was married to the late Batiste Tootoo and spent five years in the North between Churchill, Man., and Rankin between 1958 to 1963.

As Batiste was the oldest of 13 kids, Luttmer has plenty of family members to pass the time with when she returns each year.

Luttmer, 71, brought a group of tourists to Rankin when she visited in 2003.

She thought that would be a one-time event.

"I do this on a volunteer basis," said Luttmer.

"When I did it about five years ago I swore I would never do it again, but I guess that feeling wore off.

"People kept asking me and I gave in because I do enjoy bringing people to get a sense of what it's like to live here, which is why I billet them in people's homes.

"They learn something about the people, culture and land during their time here, as well as the challenges the territory faces."

Luttmer said a visit to Rankin is an eye-opener for people who come to the Kivalliq for the first time.

She said people who live in the south have no concept of what life is like in the Arctic.

"They might read the odd piece about it in a paper or see something on television, but that has nowhere near the impact of coming here.

"I gave them a list of stuff they could read and websites to visit before the trip and most of them did that.

"So they had a bit of background knowledge before they got here, but it's not the same as actually seeing it live."

Luttmer said like most people who visit a Northern community for the first time, her group of nine visitors were amazed by the food prices in Rankin.

She said even though she had warned them about the prices, they still shook their heads in amazement.

"Theoretically they weren't surprised, but it still hit them pretty hard to actually look at the price tags.

"It hits me every time I come and I know better.

"I've finally got past the point where I walk around the store refusing to buy anything because it's too expensive, then I get to the exit and realize I haven't bought anything, so I have to go back and do the whole thing again."

Luttmer said she scheduled both trips to coincide with Nunavut Day.

She said the event adds an extra bit of realism to the experience for the visitors.

"They appreciated being here for Nunavut Day because it's so real.

"Instead of having someone stage throat singing, drum dancing or whatever for them, they can just go out and be part of the community.

"They all went their own way, instead of staying in a tight group, talked to people, enjoyed some tea and bannock and took some great pictures.

"I don't know if I'll have the energy for this again, but this group had a great time, so you never know."