Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 17/01) - Several members from both the Inuvik and the Tuktoyaktuk Drummers and Dancers performed twice recently at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Melissa Kisoun of Inuvik organized the trip. Twenty people (including the drivers) set off by van July 17. The olympics started July 18 and went to July 20.

The olympics feature sporting and cultural events. Kisoun explained that this year, for the first time, non-competitive drum dancing performances took place. The Delta Drummers performed twice in this category.

"It was good, tiring because the drive was long, but yeah, it was good," Kisoun said.

"There were drum dancing groups from all over Alaska," she said. "It was really interesting to see all the different groups drum dancing."

Kisoun said hopefully some people who went to Alaska this year will start raising funds upon their return so they can go to next year's olympics.

"We're trying to spark the interest of people in drum dancing," Kisoun said. "We're trying to get young people to get more involved in their culture."

Kisoun said several businesses helped out, including Petro-Canada, Gulf Canada, Enbridge Oil and Gas, Aklak Air, Norcan Leasing Ltd., Mack Travel, Air Norterra and Northern stores.

Two Delta drummers brought home medals, as well.

Katy Smith of Inuvik took second in Alaskan high kick, and was third in one-foot high kick.

Leroy Pascal of Tuk took second in drop-the-ball.