KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
The Canadian Armed Forces acknowledged a number of those who helped logistically with exercise Trillium Response on the land near Rankin Inlet this past month.

Lt.-Col. Shane McArthur presents a token of appreciation to Mike Osmond, left, near the conclusion of exercise Trillium Response 2014 in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy Noel Kaludjak

The presentations were made during a special Community Day gathering at the Rankin arena.

Lt.-Col. Shane McArthur said the logistics behind the week-long exercise were daunting.

He said the military needs the support of local communities to make such exercises a success.

"If the communities aren't on-board with what we're planning to do, then they don't happen," said McArthur.

"The welcoming and helpfulness of the community of Rankin Inlet exceeded anything we'd hoped for.

"This is just a small way of expressing our thanks and appreciation for the hospitality and assistance we received here during exercise Trillium Response."

Coun. Sam Tutanuak accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet.

Tutanuak said there were two sides to the military's visit, one good and the other not so much.

He said having about 350 soldiers in Rankin benefitted the community, especially its artists.

"It was good to see a venue set up for them to display their art because they really need the business this time of year," said Tutanuak.

"It was also good for the soldiers to have a chance to see this part of Canada and get a taste of life here.

"I talked to a number of them around town and they couldn't believe how cold it was here."

Tutanuak said the soldiers would have to spend three weeks to a month here on exercise to really learn anything about how to function and survive in this climate.

He said the weather unexpectedly turned a little nicer for most of their time in Rankin, but a number of the soldiers still struggled.

"Not a chance they survive here on their own.

"They need to have Rangers with them constantly.

"I spoke with a Ranger from Chesterfield Inlet and he was honest in telling me some of them shouldn't have been here.

"He shared my opinion on their survival alone here, so take it from there."