RANKIN INLET/NUNAVUT - Kivalliq had four of six team members who represented Nunavut at the Aboriginal Volunteer Firefighting Competition this past weekend at Listuguj, Que.

Naudla Enuapik of Whale Cove gets a hand with his breathing apparatus from Samson Amarudjuak and Roger Aksadjuak of Rankin Inlet, back from left, during exercises in Rankin in August of 2009 for the 2009 National Aboriginal Firefighters Competition. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

A total of 13 volunteer firefighters from across Nunavut competed for the six spots during a series of training exercises held in Rankin Inlet earlier this month.

The six selected to represent Nunavut at the Quebec competition were Samson Amarudjuak and Johnny Karlik of Rankin Inlet, Sandy Natseck and Jerry Nuluk of Repulse Bay, James Sangoya of Clyde River and Iqaluk Toonoo of Cape Dorset.

The team was accompanied by coach Paul Kowmageak of Cape Dorset and Pond Inlet's Frederick Morrison, who represented the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Prima said every firefighter who competed in Rankin did an excellent job.

He said they represented the very best of Nunavut's volunteer brigade.

"The guys did a heck of a job during our selection exercises in Rankin," said Prima.

"They improved their firefighting skills 100 per cent during their training here.

"We had a couple of guys who couldn't make it due to weather, and a couple of others who decided not to come due to their concern over the swine flu.

"But the 13 we did have put in a solid showing."

Prima said new friendships always develop among the Nunavut firefighters who attend the selection training.

He said this year's group worked extremely well together and really supported each other during the exercises.

"The firefighters we had training in Rankin are, really, the pick of the crop in their respective communities.

"They're the most dedicated and well-trained firefighters we have in Nunavut, and they always get along well together."

Prima has been involved in firefighting for more than 31 years.

He said the aboriginal competition is a real challenge for the Nunavut representatives because the firefighters they're up against practise together for months.

"Because of the cost we can only bring our guys in for four days to train as a team, but they could still make a good run at the national title.

"Nunavut has done exceptionally well during its first three years at the event and, if everything fell into place, our guys could take the top spot.

"Every year we have more guys on the team who are familiar with the competition and know what to expect. But, no matter where they place at the event, taking part in the process helps them become better firefighters and that's a big part of what this is all about."