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NNSL Photo

Brothers Colin and Andrew Gordon dance while other members of the Mackenzie Delta Drummers and Dancers from Aklavik drum during the convening of the spring session of the legislature in Yellowknife. - Andrea Markey/NNSL photo

Rhythm on the road

Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 30/05) - Seven members of the Mackenzie Delta Drummers and Dancers from Aklavik travelled to Yellowknife last week to perform at the convening of the spring session of the legislature.

Just as they teach young people in the community traditional dances, the group invited the audience at the Great Hall to join in.

Premier Joe Handley, NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford and visiting French Consul General Jean-Yves Defay all accepted the invitation to learn a dance about breaking ice and hunting.

In Aklavik, the Drummers and Dancers meet every Tuesday as a way to keep their culture alive, said Manny Arey. Forty to 50 kids learn songs and dances each week, he said.

"We go through regular dances and motion dances," he said.

"And the elders teach the youth Inuvialuit."

"Dancing is a very important part of our culture," said Eva Gordon.

"It is important to keep it going. And the youth really enjoy it."