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DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
The community of Fort Providence once again rang in the new year with an alcohol-free event starting a yearly tradition.

Fort Providence residents drum dance into the new year during the First Night celebration in the hamlet. - photo courtesy of Chantel Bonnetrouge

First Night, a New Year's Eve celebration, is a long-standing tradition in the hamlet. The event, however, normally happens every other year as it alternates with an adult dance.

First Night was not scheduled to be held this year, but community members said they wanted the all-ages event again this year.

"People were asking for it so we are going to try and hold it every year," said Tina Gargan, the hamlet's mayor.

Gargan along with Lawrence Nitsiza and Margaret Thom were among the primary organizers of this year's First Night, which was held on Jan. 31.

The event lived up to its reputation.

"The hall was just packed again," said Nitsiza.

The celebration started with a potluck feast at 6 p.m. There was turkey, ham salads, bannock and lots of deserts, Nitsiza said.

Johnny Landry and the Boys provided live music. Whenever the band took a break approximately 10 drummers from the community stepped in to keep people on the dance floor.

"It was so awesome," said Gargan. "It was great to see couples two-stepping sober."

Gargan said it was also nice to see children out with their families. The event was attended by a cross section of Fort Providence residents from babies with their mothers all the way to elders. Gargan said she saw community members at the hall who had never come to First Night before.

"It's so nice to see," she said.

The community hall was decorated by approximately 20 volunteers the day before who brought along Christmas decorations they weren't using.

It's the volunteers that make the event possible, Gargan said.

Door prizes were drawn throughout the night. Most were practical household items such as sleeping bags and coffee pots. Youth Jonah Landry won the grand prize, a 24-inch flat screen TV with a surround sound system.

"He was just hugging his TV," Gargan said.

As the new year drew closer, people in the hall counted down and made a racket using party whistles and noisemakers. Many people then jumped into their vehicles for a parade that wound through the hamlet with horns blaring and lights flashing. Gargan, who was in the lead vehicle, said she couldn't count the number of cars and trucks in the parade because they were so numerous.

Returning to the hall, residents drum danced to welcome the new year. The celebrations continued until 3 a.m.

A 50/50 draw was held during the evening to start fundraising for next year's event. A little more than $200 was raised. Previously First Night was supported solely by donations.

Gargan is encouraging other communities in the NWT to hold similar alcohol free events for New Year's Eve.

"It's amazing what that does for a community," she said.

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