As I begin my 21st year as editor of the Kivalliq News here in Rankin Inlet, I'd like to close out 2018 the same way I have closed out the majority of years past SA国际影视传媒� with a huge tip of the sealskin to the good folks across the region who take the time to help Kivalliq News be a true regional newspaper throughout the year by providing news and feature-story tips, photographs from their communities, interviews with me on a subject or pointing me in the direction of someone who can.
And each and every gesture is greatly appreciated.
Over in Whale Cove, tiny in everything but stature, Mayor Stanley Adjuk has periodically lent me a hand either in the form of a direct interview, or a layman's explanation of policy or other issues of concern to the Kivalliq Wildlife Board or the hamlet itself.
There has also been the excitement of visiting former NHLers conducting hockey camps in his community, the installation of artificial turf in the arena, and current members of Team Canada conducting soccer camps with local youths.
He also, from time to time, will sit down and identify the 10 to 20 faces in a photo of a championship sports team from Whale Cove.
Not bad for a guy who once, as a then total greenhorn to the Kivalliq, nuggied his hockey buddy, Stanley, in the council chamber only to have a Nunavut MLA point out my hockey buddy, Stanley, also happened to be mayor Stanley. My face still burns with embarrassment. Thanks for everything, Stanley!
Over in Chesterfield Inlet I can't thank the husband-and-wife tandem of teachers Glen Brocklebank and Ana Leishman for the interviews, photos and story leads throughout the year.
I can but offer humble thanks to the pair for their years and years of contributions to programs, events, qajaqing and the numerous accomplishments of the students at the tiny educational bastion that roars science, Victor Sammurtok School.
He also helps keep me up to speed with the happenings of our very own Kivalliq Science Educators' Community.
Plus, Glen has almost as many teaching and programming awards as Quaker has oats. Not bad. May the success of you two and your most awesome little school continue well into the future.
Up in Arviat, one Mr. Gord Billard keeps me continually abreast of what's happening on the local stage, with the film society and with the highly motivated students at John Arnalukjuak High School.
A regional, if not territorial, leader in the world of drama and the performing arts at the all-important grassroots level, Mr. Billard is also heavily involved with the students who participate in Skills Nunavut and has been in the Kivalliq almost as long as I have.
Thanks for everything you do in promoting the youth of your community, Gord.
Up in Naujaat, I've been spoiled for more than a few years now by the steady flow of photographs and information from Tuugaalik High School vice-principal Julia MacPherson highlighting the accomplishments and undertakings of the driven students by the bay.
I have also enjoyed a number of informative, colourful and articulate interviews with principal Aubrey Bolt. Bolt and MacPherson always put their students and Inuit culture first both professionally and personally.
Thanks for all your contributions, Aubrey and Julia.
And, finally, right here in Rankin Inlet, my continued thanks to Mr. Noel Kaludjak, who wears almost as many hats as Rankin's David Clark and takes way more photos.
For all the years from Coral Harbour to Rankin Inlet, and many points in-between, thanks for all your many, many contributions, Noel.
Still hard to believe the first time we met we were trying to punch each other in the nose at a hockey tournament in Naujaat.
A tip of the hat also to Karen Yip in Baker Lake, who makes a number of contributions throughout the year despite her inherent, shall we say, cautiousness around all things media, and her genuine fondness for quoting books, acts and mission statements SA国际影视传媒� thanks for both your many contributions to Kivalliq News and your many years of personal friendship, Karen. They are both humbly appreciated.
And, finally, Mr. Eric Anoee Jr. in Arviat, who always manages to pop-up two or three times a year with a truly inspiring story. Thanks, Eric.
Thanks, as well, to everyone who has sent in a photo or an idea during the past year.
A Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2019 to one and all.
