National Indigenous Peoples Day staple in Rankin Inlet

RCMP and Kissarvik Co-op combine forces to show their appreciation for the aboriginal community

By Darrell Greer Northern News Services

The enticing aroma of hamburgers and hotdogs is filling the air in Rankin Inlet today, June 21, as the local detachment of the RCMP teams up with Kissarvik Co-op to help the community celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with their annual gathering of barbecue and prizes.

RCMP Sgt. Patrick Frenette of the Rankin detachment said the local police certainly want to continue the effort with Kissarvik Co-op.

He said officers are very excited to be taking part in the event again this year, which he sees as a very important event for the community, and the RCMP certainly want to be part of it.

“The RCMP likes to take advantage of these kinds of events in order to build a rapport and relationships, not only with the younger people in the community, but with as many people in the community that we can reach,” said Frenette.

“It’s a chance for people in the community to see our members in a more positive light.

“We’re hoping to have as many of our members take part as we can, but, of course, that will depend on the number of calls that day, among other things.

“We’re hoping to have most of the detachment involved, with at least four to six guys at the event.”

Sgt. Frenette said he would file taking part in events such as this under the heading off community policing.

He said it’s important for residents to see their local police officers in an atmosphere where they’re seen as members of the community and not necessarily just the police.

“It gives us a chance to talk to people one on one and not necessarily always in uniform, which can make a big difference,” said Frenette.

“I believe people see us in a different light sometimes and we get to interact with them in a positive environment.

“It gives the community the chance to see a local police officer as a normal, local citizen — as human beings and not just a uniform. It’s important for the kids to see us in a better light.

“Unfortunately, sometimes, we attend their homes in an unfortunate situation and, obviously, the police are sometimes seen as the bad guys. This type of event helps us to paint a more positive picture of our officers.”

Kissarvik Co-op retail store manager Glenn Woodford said the relationship built-up during National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations between the Co-op and the RCMP remains a strong one.

Woodford said the RCMP have been initiating first contact with the Co-op regarding hosting the event for the past few years.

He said it’s very important for local businesses to recognize these special days and give something back to the community.

“For the most part, with our membership being mostly aboriginal, the Co-op is Inuit owned,” said Woodford.

“We recognize that National Indigenous Peoples Day is worthy of us stopping, providing the community with a treat and boosting morale in the community.

“I can’t speak for the RCMP, but I’m sure it helps with their public relations with the community”

On average the RCMP/Co-op barbecue and games held for National Indigenous Peoples Day sees about 800 combined hotdogs and hamburgers, as well as gallons of juice, given out to the community.

The event slowed down in recent years due to Covid. Last year, for example, crowds were still down substantially, but some of that could be attributed to the fact a number of people didn’t think the event would be held at all.

Woodford said people are more relaxed now and although Covid may always be an issue, people, and life, for the most part, have gone back to normal.

He said he looks forward to the annual event and the return of so many smiling faces.

Crowds should begin to grow again shortly at the annual National Indigenous Peoples Day barbecue and prizes in Rankin Inlet. Covid still kept crowds a little smaller than usual at the June 21, 2022, event in Rankin Inlet. Photo courtesy Glenn Woodford

“Once it’s all set up and the wheels are in motion with people manning the barbecue and prizes being given out, the event turns into a whole lot of fun.

“We’ve been doing this a long time. I forget the year that it was, but, when we first started doing this, I believe it was around 2007. We were doing our barbecue and, when I looked down the road, the RCMP were doing their barbecue at the same time as us.

“I thought, why not do it together? We’re both community-minded organizations, so no need to compete.

“So we decided to do it together, build some camaraderie and have some fun. And it’s been working ever since for the enjoyment of the community.”