RANKIN INLET - Kivalliq News captured five awards on its way to returning to the top of its class at the regional newspaper awards in Winnipeg, Man., this past month.

Kivalliq News editor Darrell Greer displays the Traditional Science page that earned Best Photo Essay at the Manitoba Community Newspaper Awards this past month in Winnipeg. - NNSL staff photo

The Kivalliq regional newspaper was named Best In Its Class at the Manitoba Community Newspaper Awards (MCNA) in April.

It was the second time in the past three years Kivalliq News earned the prestigious award.

The paper also took first place for Best Front Page and Best Layout and Design.

Editor Darrell Greer took first place for Best Photo Essay for his effort on Traditional Science, the dissecting of a seal by students at Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik in Rankin Inlet.

The judges called the photo essay, "A great story idea that could be adapted to other papers and schools."

Greer also took second place for Best Arts and Culture Story for his work on the Kivalliq Inuit Association's Somebody's Daughter program.

He said it was a great feeling to have Kivalliq News back at the top of its class at the MCNA.

"Strong production support at the paper's head office in Yellowknife this past year helped propel the paper back to top spot," said Greer.

"But the names you never see on the plaques are the real reasons why our newspaper is so strong, and that's the people of the Kivalliq.

"We have such a vibrant region here, and the people who call Kivalliq home are among the most colourful in the country.

"I've been here since 1998, and I'm still honoured by so many wonderful people embracing Kivalliq News as their own."

Greer said continuing to put out a publication people in the region can be proud of is his motivation.

He said many people work tirelessly to improve the quality of life in the Kivalliq, and he considers it a privilege to tell their stories.

"We have so many great people in the Kivalliq, and I've learned so much during my time here.

"It's not all good news, by any means, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to work on this paper for so long and I never take that for granted."