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RANKIN INLET - Kivalliq News editor and Nunavut News/North columnist Darrell Greer's way of telling it as he sees it has earned him a national award.

The often hard-hitting editorialist was named Columnist of the Year by the Canadian Community Newspaper Association this past month.

Greer's editorial pieces included his challenge of the logic behind a $600,000 lawsuit against former Nunavut premier Paul Okalik for swearing at a woman, even though he apologized personally and publicly; the need to restore morality and dignity to the legislative assembly when questionable conduct among MLAs was setting a bad example; and a call for a study on wildlife that are consuming sewage from lagoons.

"There's nothing easy about being a fearless and entertaining columnist in a newspaper of any size," wrote the judges.

"But the fearless part grows increasingly difficult as the circulation of the paper decreases.

"The winners (in this category) are a model for others to follow in serving their communities the way papers are supposed to do it, fairly and fearlessly."

Greer also earned second place for best environmental writing in Kivalliq News for an article titled, "A call to action."

The piece examined the potential for Inuit hunters to use civil disobedience to protest a governmentimposed polar bear quota cut in the Western Hudson Bay area.

Greer said being named Columnist of the Year is a tremendous honour.

"The whole idea behind editorial writing is to make people think, and I try to accomplish that on a consistent basis," said Greer.

"You often hear from people upset by your opinion, but rarely from those who agree with you.

"That makes having your work acknowledged by your peers even more special."

David Tulugak of Rankin Inlet said he always enjoys Greer's columns.

He said he doesn't always agree with Greer, but he admires the editor's straightforward way of writing.

"Darrell often speaks for the little guy, who might be a little worried about speaking up on certain things," said Tulugak.

"He's not afraid of tough issues and I respect that."