Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (June 22/05) - Stories surrounding Arviat's annual fishing derby are more likely to be about the people who came together for the event, rather than the ones that got away.

Tommy Alareak-Arloo and Karen Nibgoarsi are amazed by the size of the mouth on this lake trout landed in Arviat. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

The hamlet's recreation co-ordinator, Nick Arnalukjuak, says most people in the community eagerly anticipate the annual fishing derby.

Arnalukjuak says timing is one of the main reasons behind the derby's immense popularity in Arviat, with people enjoying the chance to head out onto the land after a long winter and escape the daily routines of community life.

"Most people here really enjoy fishing and, to them, the prizes are secondary to spending some time out on the land with their friends, families and neighbours," says Arnalukjuak.

"Fishing is part of our lifestyle, and it's looked upon as an activity that's directly connected to our roots.

"We don't have to fish for survival like we did in the old days, but we still enjoying fishing for a good everyday meal. Winning a prize, while nice, is really just a bonus."

Arviat hamlet council takes great care to ensure the prizes offered in the annual derby don't reach the point where people become too focused on winning.

In fact, the event remains so popular because residents truly enjoy the overall derby experience.

Great aspect

Arnalukjuak says one of the great aspects of the derby is that it brings people of all ages in the community together.

He says it's like an old-time gathering when the fish are measured and displayed at the community hall.

"So much of our daily lives is taken up by work, hunting, household tasks, those sorts of things.

"But the derby brings the community together and everyone can get caught up with how each other's doing.

"You also notice how many of the same people win the derby every year, especially in the lake trout category.

"These people prove every year that they know where and how to catch the big ones, which shows they have a lot of traditional Inuit knowledge."