Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (July 27/01) - Carrying out the ceremonial whalebone held special meaning during closing ceremonies Sunday at the 13th annual Great Northern Arts Festival.

Outgoing festival organizers Marilyn Dzaman, left, and Tanya Van Valkenburg took out the ceremonial whalebone during closing ceremonies Sunday. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

Tanya Van Valkenburg and Marilyn Dzaman picked up the whalebone and -- partway down the aisle -- they passed it on to Darrin White and Gail Hodder, who are replacing them as executive director and artistic director, respectively.

Van Valkenburg and Dzaman have been involved in the GNAF since 1997, and are moving to Whitehorse this summer.

"It's been a tremendous journey," Dzaman told the audience at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex.

"The gift this festival has given to me is something I can never ever put a measurable cost on."

Dzaman said that as a girl, she was in Churchill, Man., when "the North put a hook in my heart and it never let go."

Dzaman said that because of the festival, she now knows someone in almost every community in the North. She thanked the board of directors and everyone else involved.

Dedicated pair

"There are no words to express what a glorious team we have of returning staff, returning volunteers, people who are here temporarily who just give everything to this event," Dzaman said.

"Thank you so very much for giving this part of my life to me."

She gave special thanks to Van Valkenburg, "my friend who has taught me my strengths and pointed out my weaknesses."

For her part, Van Valkenburg said that from Dzaman, "I have learned that friendship matters more than anything else."

Van Valkenburg spoke on the many other things she has learned while with the GNAF.

"From the artists who come here every year, I have learned to play and enjoy beautiful things. I've learned to be really excited to see old friends again," she said.

"From volunteers I've learned about generosity, and I'm constantly amazed at how much people are willing to give."

Van Valkenburg said that she also learned that the festival comes about each summer, whether or not she spends a great deal of time and energy worrying about what might happen.

"This festival has really taught me that when something is meant to happen, you just have to do the steps along the way and watch it unfold."

She then thanked the community of Inuvik for providing such support over the years.

Festival board chair Theresa Ross said this year's festival was one of the best ever.

"We had some great entertainment, beautiful artwork to feast our eyes on," Ross said. "Everything came together."

She said Van Valkenburg and Dzaman have been truly dedicated to the festival.

"Tanya and Marilyn have really opened up a whole other world for me," Ross said. "I'm going to miss you guys."

Emerging artists awards

Sculpture (tie): Ryan Taylor (Yellowknife) and Napachie Sharkey Cape Dorset (Nunavut)

Flat Work: Wayne Keefe (Hay River)

Jewelry: Robert Buckle (Aklavik)

Fibre Arts: Margaret Nazon (Tsiigehtchic)

Traditional Arts: Lyn Fabio (Whitehorse)

Artists' Choice Awards

Sculpture (tie): Gerrald Taylor (Tuktoyaktuk) and Carmen Samoila (Whitehorse)

Flat Work: Antoine Mountain (Yellowknife)

Jewelry (tie): Matthew Naqingaq (Iqaluit), Don Gruben (Tuktoyaktuk)

Traditional: Elisapee Itulu (Kimmirut, Nunavut)

FESTIVAL SALES

Total Sales at the GNAF (before GST):

$157,341 (up slightly from 2000)

Of total sales, carving was $94,165, traditional arts was $16,695, jewelry was $15,592