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INUVIK - The Inuvik Drummers and Dancers may put its stamp on the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

That's the feeling 12 Inuvik residents got after they gave an all-out performance for an audience of about 150 Olympic staff members on Feb. 10 in Vancouver.

Members of the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers are shown in traditional garb moments before performing at the Talking Stick Festival in Vancouver earlier this month. Members include, from left, Hans Lennie, Scot Kasook, William Allen, Abel Tingmiak, Brian Rogers, and Kevin Allen. - photo courtesy of Wendy Smith

"I was more than pleased with it," said Wendy Smith, Inuvik Drummers and Dancers co-ordinator. "I'm very proud of each of our members."

The group was taking part in an event called the Cultural Olympiad, which started early this month and will run until March 21.

Jam-packed with performances and events in Vancouver and Whistler, the Cultural Olympiad is meant to show how culture and Olympic sport are inextricably linked.

More than that, it's laying the ground work for a giant cultural festival next year that will run throughout the Olympics, including the opening ceremonies.

The drummers and dancers' performance lasted about 15 minutes and consisted of about nine songs that brought to life the Inuvialuit culture.

"We stressed what these dances meant and that they embody the Inuvialuit traditions," said Smith.

In response, Robert Kerr, the Cultural Olympiad's program director who took in the performance, gave them encouraging words.

"We look forward to working with you to build on this great experience as we develop next year's program," he told Smith.

He added, "We have you on our radar for tour managers for next year."

That's music to Smith's ears.

Though the group hasn't heard for sure whether they'll be among the performers chosen, she's staying optimistic. Smith said the group's dream is to perform during the opening ceremonies, where they will get the most exposure.

The drummers travelled to Vancouver from Feb. 6 to 10 with a team of Nunavut throatsingers. Both were also featured performers at the renowned Talking Stick aboriginal festival.

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) spokeswoman Peggy Jay sits on the national Inuit committee for the Winter Olympics. Through her role as advocate for Inuvialuit culture, she was able to have the group perform in Vancouver.

She said she's proud of what they have accomplished already. Jay's hoping it will bring more exposure to Inuvialuit performers and by extension, the Inuvialuit people.

Smith couldn't agree more. As people of the Inukshuk, the official emblem of the Winter Olympics, she said the Inuvialuit have a right to be represented there.

"We wanted to open their eyes to the Inuit culture, but us being Inuvialuit is what we specifically went for. It's showcasing the Inuvialuit culture as well as the people behind the Inukshuk. We were pushing for the Inuit representation there so that they know what we're about."

Among the drummers and dancers was 86-year-old Sarah Tingmiak, who has been with the group since its inception in 1989.

With or without the Olympic nod, Smith, Tingmiak and the rest of the group have no plans of slowing down anytime soon

"It's a celebration of our culture," said Smith. "It's always in the form of celebration and it's important to keep these songs and dances for the younger generations so that they can carry it on. It's something that we don't want to see die."