Kick Me…When We’re Down?

At 63 degrees North Latitude, the harsh winters here lead to many indoor and organized activities, as

The arena in Rankin Inlet

you might imagine. The winds combine with drifting snow to provide an uncomfortable environment for outdoor events, this time of year. You dress for the weather and stay quite warm with the added gear, but it takes time to get ready to go outdoors and you don't stay longer than is really necessary. Indoor sports, in the high school school gymnasium are popular. Soccer, especially so, since those skills can be readily adapted once the nice weather arrives. There is a baseball diamond in town according to my local map. I'm not sure yet about basketball...and no bowling alley.

Curling at -38C outside

I’ve visited the hockey arena a few times. Actually, it’s a sports complex (and I’m told that a replacement might be in the works). Inside the complex, two sheets of ice, all set for curling and are actively used. Besides, hockey and curling, there are other sports and activities for young, and not so young, alike. So far, indoor model flying is not available …well not officially (yet) and not

organized anyways...just in my living room. After this weekend of indoor flying, I have to admit I'm doing great on the coaxial but the V911 will take a lot more practice, for sure.

Outdoor events include the local soccer field, which due to the short growing season has an artificial turf field. I'm not sure of its age yet, since I found out about it this weekend. It was a great improvement on playing on the stone field that it replaced. Lawn mowers, grass seed and fertilizer are items that you probably won't see here in the local Northern, or the Co-op either, but there are some neat stories about those items for another time.

Last week...one morning, when I came into the Health Centre, there was a gentleman seated in the waiting area near the Lab. A very interesting crest was embroidered on his jacket. In the centre of the patch was our beloved and easily recognizable, local “Inukshuk”…and some lettering scattered around it. I introduced myself and asked about RANKIN SOCCER.

The following story just shows the nature of the area and need. He told me he had coached indoor soccer with Under-18 year olds at the local high school gym for 28 years but had recently given it up. The organizing of gym time had been a hassle at times, but it wasn’t the kid’s behaviour or expectations or actions that lead to his recent departure…it was the politics in the boardroom. 

You could see it in his eyes, as he related some, of what must be happening, many times over, across our vast country…and it’s sad because we lose so many good volunteers to be replaced by the mediocrity of those who take their place…only to be further replaced when the glow of the position leads to the dimming of their new-found commitment.

He told me that he started out each and every season in the following manner. He would fill two water bottles and bring them in as he addressed the new group each year. He would throw one down onto the ground…say nothing…and then, calmly, place the other on the ground near it. He would ask those gathered which action they had felt more comfortable with. While a few wanted the violent approach as it certainly gained everyone’s attention, the majority, year after year, said they liked the calmness and quiet approach. The tone would be set for the entire season. 

This simple explanation showed the kid’s that there were two ways to play and the choice was entirely theirs to make. I thought what a simple but ingenious method of demonstration…but I failed to ask him where he discovered this, before he had vanished. 

Rankin Inlet Hamlet Logo

Just before he left, though, he related to me another analogy that he used with his kids…demonstrated by that famous yellow Happy Face. He used a similar story as one “Judge Judy”…he described that face as:

         two eyes to watch with,

        two ears to listen with,

       …and one mouth…so you had better really think before you use it. 

He continued with the outside of that face can leave you going in circles….if you let it!

In this hamlet called Rankin Inlet, one complaint that comes through loud and clear on many levels, is that there is not enough for the young people to do..but things are changing. The past use (and abuse) of drugs, alcohol and sex, along with a lack of self-esteem, often made problems seem so prevalent. These attitudes are changing...Positive role models are sometimes absent from the immediate family unit, the same as for families in the south. Positive attitudes are re-inforced in the schools and by youth counsellors. The results of suicide, teen pregnancy or police record affect the community, both short and long-term. The schools are an important focus in the fight for positive change. There are many programs trying to educate, to provide support and to change and modify lifestyle and choices. This is (and will continue to be) a prime focus for the long term advancement of NUNAVUT territory.

Sometimes a crest..is so much more!

Rankin Inlet and the Inuit people have a rich heritage and positive leadership can be found. There is knowledge, skill, and depth here with the elders. It just too bad, that kids can be the big losers, when certain adults try to take control and political gain gets in the way of simple fun and excitement. Sometimes, just a simple crest allows you to find out so much more.