INUVIK - It takes two people to carry it and has seven years of tradition etched into it. Now the ceremonial whale bone sits in the arts festival gallery until July 29.

Inuvik carver William Gruben, left, and Fort Liard artist Stevie Nande carry the ceremonial whale bone into the gallery during the arts festival opening ceremonies. The bone is a part of festival tradition and has been for seven years. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The bone carving was created by Ike Angotautok, who held a carving workshop eight years ago.

Great Northern Arts Festival gallery curator Charlene Alexander said they knew the bone would play a large part in the festival from then on.

"He worked on the whale bone in a workshop he held," explained Alexander.

It was with the help of a few artists that the bone came to be what it is today.

"Some of the carvers worked with Ike to complete the bone," said Alexander.

She explained that when the festival was done, it was Angotautok who wanted the festival to keep the piece for their permanent collection.

"It's been a great addition to our gallery," said Alexander.

It was the former executive director who made the decision to use the bone in the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival.

"It's a significant piece, it's very large," said Alexander.

She explained that the festival wanted to use the bone to illustrate the bond shared between new and master artists.

"This year, we had a newcomer and one of our experienced artists carry the bone in for the opening ceremony," she said.

It was William Gruben of Inuvik and Stevie Nande of Fort Liard that were honoured with the task of walking the bone in the gallery on Friday night. Nande said the walk was an honour and he was happy to be a part of such a rich tradition.

"It was great to place the bone on the mantle," said Nande.

"It was an honour, but I was surprised when they told me I was doing it."

Nande was quiet about his reaction, but his smile shone through, letting his true pride come out to the crowd while he passed the many onlookers. Alexander said that other people have carried the bone into the gallery, not just artists.

"One year we chose two of our valuable volunteers to do the honours," said Alexander.

The bone is detailed with carvings of animals, hunters and other northern images.

Alexander explained the art to this reporter while the show was in full swing.

Seal heads pop out of imaginary ice, a hunter's arm is reaching across the sky as a polar bear watches it all.

The piece is a true sign of the festival and the spirit that has grown with the event.

The closing ceremonies, are scheduled for Sunday night at the rec complex.