ARVIAT/CORAL HARBOUR - The Coral Harbour counselling group Angutiit Makigiangninga (Men Rising Up) made its second visit to Arviat this past month.

The meetings were reported as a big success, with 45 to 50 men attending.

Making the trip from Coral were Noel Kaludjak, Paul Pudlat, Bobby Saviakjuk, Willie Nakoolak, Moses Noah and Tony Eetuk.

Joining the Coral men were David Nuluk, Simeoni Netseck and Leo Nangmalik of Repulse Bay, Mike Panika, Barry Nangmalik and Jack Ekwalak of Whale Cove and Baker Lake's Martin Kreelak.

Kaludjak said the trip attracted a larger turnout than the first time into Arviat.

He said the men in the community were more aware of the group's visit and its mission this time around.

"They were ready to receive us this time and do exactly what we came there to accomplish," said Kaludjak.

"The meetings were held at the Mark Kalluak Hall, which offered a more open and spacious environment for the men who wanted to attend.

"We owe thanks to support staff Kevin Sanguin, Orral Kiffiak and Bruce Handley, as well as Health Canada, George Dunkerley at the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin, the Kivalliq Outreach Program, John Mcfee at Kivalliq Air, the people of Arviat, Mayor Bob Leonard and church leaders Thomas Ubluriaq, David Uglukark, Hattie Alagalak and Joe Mamik."

Kaludjak said the group tries to bring and attract as many younger men as possible when it visits another hamlet.

He said the group is still receiving numerous requests to visit communities outside of Coral.

"We're hoping our next trip is to Whale Cove.

"It's still in the works, and not certain yet, but we'd very much like to get our group to that community.

"We're also going to have another big gathering in Coral this summer, probably on the third week of August.

"We're very excited about that, but we have to make sure it's well planned because proper planning is the key to holding successful big events like that."

Kaludjak said communities have to accept Angutiit Makigiangninga for its work to be successful.

He said the movement gets stronger every time it's accepted by another community.

"When we go to a community, the people know what we're trying to do and what our aim is.

"A movement to help men become better people, fathers and husbands has been a long time coming, and it gives families who are having issues right now the hope they'll be able to deal with the problems.

"More and more men are being encouraged to come to our meetings, and many appreciate the chance to speak about their issues in their own language.

"True feelings really start to come out when we speak in our own language."