Inuvik - Dick Hill hosted a book launch this past week and was able to catch up with some old friends in the process.

Hill served as the first mayor of Inuvik, was instrumental in the ski program and was witness to the early years of Inuvik's growth.

Longtime friends and colleagues Victor Allen and Dick Hill shared a few laughs during Hill's book launch. When Allen came into the room, he sparked stories and memories of good times when they both sat on town council. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Hill's friends, fans and well-wishers gathered at a book signing at the Inuvik Centennial Library on July 17.

The signing was for two books written and compiled by Hill.

The photo book is called Inuvik in Pictures. The longer history of the town is called Inuvik: a history.

The works have been in the progress for the past decade or more.

"I've been wanting to do this for some time," said Hill.

Hill dispensed with the traditional author's reading at the event.

He said he despises people who read from their books at such events.

"I didn't want to bore anyone and I don't really like listening to people read, so I won't," said Hill.

"It reminds me of being in church."

He said he would rather have people read it on their own, rather than be forced to hear someone else read it to them.

Instead, Hill spoke to the crowd about his memories of Inuvik.

Shortly after he began, Victor Allen came into the room, and within minutes the room was filled with laughter as Hill and Allen shared stories of their time on town council.

"This is one of my oldest friends," said Allen.

Hill said both men wanted to put out their own books on the history of the town.

"I got mine first," said Hill with a laugh.

Hill told Inuvik Drum he wants others to be aware that the anniversary celebrations are only to commemorate the naming of Inuvik, not the founding of the community.

"We've got to be careful, this is about the naming, not the founding," said Hill.

He congratulated the town on putting on such a grand event for the anniversary.

"They did such a good job, there are a lot of people here," he said.

He said originally the books were only supposed to cover the first 25 years of Inuvik.

He said the book is mainly about the first 25 years in detail, with information collected about the following years, leading up to 2008.

Hill said the hardest part of the process was choosing what to put in the books.

"What was newsworthy, or worth putting in was always a challenge," he said.

Making the book easy to pick up and read was the biggest challenge for Hill.

"I don't feel I'm a good writer so I had to work at it," he said.

Former Inuvik resident Bart Kreps helped edit the book and compile the photos.