RANKIN INLET - The first phase in a cadet exchange program was a huge success in Rankin Inlet this past month.

A total of 20 cadets and two officers from the Bluenose 615 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Halifax, spent five days in Rankin enjoying Northern hospitality and learning about Inuit culture and tradition.

Members of Rankin Inlet's 3019 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps will travel to a southern destination in 2012.

Cadets from Rankin Inlet and Halifax gather around an iglu during an exchange visit to Rankin this past month. - photo courtesy of Dorothy Tootoo

Rankin cadet 2nd Lt. Dorothy Tootoo said the Halifax and Rankin cadets hit it off immediately and enjoyed each other's company during the visit.

She said everyone caught a break when Mother Nature took mercy on the visitors, and broke a prolonged cold snap in Rankin to provide seasonal temperatures during their stay.

"I think I prayed for good weather before putting my head on the pillow every night for the 30 days prior to their arriving," said Tootoo with a laugh.

"The Halifax visit to Rankin was a huge, huge success.

"But we don't know where we'll get to go next year, and there's no guarantee we'll go to visit the kids who just came here."

Tootoo said some of the visiting cadets were so impressed with Rankin, they mentioned the possibility of returning one day.

She said a couple of them talked about nursing in Rankin, while others said it would be a challenging and exciting place to start their flying careers.

"Our kids got to ask questions about what they do in air cadets down south, and they enjoyed telling them what we do in Rankin as army cadets.

"Some of our cadets taught them a few words in Inuktitut and they got to try all sorts of country foods.

"There was hugging and crying at the airport when they were leaving, so there were some great friendships started while they were here."

Tootoo said today's technology, and Internet sites like Facebook, allow most of

the kids to easily stay in touch.

She said in some cases, the friendships and contacts last the rest of their lives.

"I don't think there was one kid in either group who didn't have a great time and make at least one friend.

"It was something special to see the kids interact like that, and it sure has everyone looking forward to our trip south next year, that's for sure."

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