RANKIN INLET/PISTOL BAY - Getting to visit his birthplace is always a special time for Rankin Inlet's Barney Tootoo, even if he doesn't have to travel too far to get there.

Tootoo was born to Pierre and Jenny in a small house next to the family home in Pistol Bay on May 14, 1948.

He spent the first two years of his life at Pistol Bay before his family decided to move further south.

Tootoo returned to his birthplace in late August to check out the old homestead and introduce an old friend to one of the area's biggest attractions.

Pistol Bay is a great place to fish using a traditional spear.

As well-known as Tootoo is across the Kivalliq and most of Nunavut, many people may not realize what an accomplished fisher he is with a spear in his hand.

He said his friend was extremely excited to be able to catch a fish using a traditional spear.

"It's always nice to go see where I was born, take a little look around and then go get some fish," said Tootoo with a hearty laugh.

"Pistol Bay is between Rankin and Whale Cove, and it takes me about two-and-one-half hours to get there by boat.

"I can't really remember the last time I was there because it was quite a few years ago.

"I kept planning on returning, but something would always come up."

Tootoo had hoped to take a wooden cross along with him to mark his mother's grave during his recent trip, but circumstances beyond his control prevented that from happening.

He plans to take the cross to Pistol Bay sometime during the summer of 2010.

"My buddy, Chris Campbell of Churchill, was pretty thrilled with his experience out there.

"He couldn't believe he caught a fish with a spear."

Tootoo said there's always good fishing and hunting at Pistol Bay.

He's made trips back to the area at various times when he lived in both Whale Cove and Rankin Inlet.

"I spent most of my young life, about 17 years, in Churchill," said Tootoo.

"I don't have any memories of Pistol Bay as a child, but there's something special about it because I have fun every time I go there.

"It's a great place for me because there's lots of fish and animals, and I really enjoy spearing the fish or hooking them right out the water.

"I'm still pretty good with the spear and enjoy every chance I get to fish that way."