Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (June 24/05) - Hamburgers and hotdogs were thankfully missing from this year's Aboriginal Day celebrations in Inuvik and by the looks of the hearty appetites of those at the afternoon feast in Jim Koe Park, it didn't really matter.

Neta Allen and Ungava the wonderdog were part of the parade on Tuesday.

"It's good to try and keep it traditional," said Susan Ross after getting the fire pits going for tea making at Jim Koe Park. "That's what Aboriginal Day is all about."

For elder Eileen Edwards, who was joined by five of her 18 grandchildren on the Inuvik Native Band's elders tent float in the morning parade, Aboriginal Day is about celebrating the importance of doing things together as a family.

"Our grandchildren are always doing things with us," she said of her and husband Frank's relationship with their extended family. "We like taking them out on the land and, today, the oldest ones here are going to help me make bread."

"They like traditional food and they are going to punch some dough for me."

Over at Jim Koe Park, festivities, which included a traditional dress and fashion show and a feast, carried on throughout the day.

At 7 p.m., the bingo faithful made their way to Ingamo Hall for the giant bingo, which was followed by an old-time dance back at Jim Koe Park.