INUVIK - The traditional games we call Arctic Sports were once only known as "Northern Games" and Edward Lennie says it all started here in Inuvik.

Geo Pascal prepares himself before demonstrating the Alaskan high kick at the 2007 Aboriginal Day celebrations at Jim Koe Park. The young people who play the Northern games these days were all taught by a group of local men, who were led by Edward Lennie. Lennie says the sports originated in Inuvik and spread across the North. Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Lennie said the Northern Games have played by Inuvialuit people for many years before being introduced to the rest of Canada with the Arctic Winter Games.

"I remember hearing about them starting up the first Arctic Winter Games, I wanted to see what games were involved," said Lennie.

"What I found out was that there was hockey, badminton, basketball and other sports. Nothing against them, but they were calling it the Arctic Winter Games."

Lennie said he was curious why they would give the Arctic name to the event, when no traditional component was included in the plans.

"I started inquiring about it and started asking questions," said Lennie.

"I wanted to see if I could do something to make it more fitting of the name."

Lennie said that he knew a few of the traditional games that had been played in the region.

"I knew a few of them, but needed help with it," said Lennie.

It was then that Lennie enlisted the help of Nellie Cournoyea.

"I said, Nellie, they're starting up something and it really bothers me," he said.

"They're giving it a Northern name and there is nothing from the Arctic."

Lennie said that the organizing team behind the Arctic Winter Games agreed to have the traditional sports demonstrated, if he could gather some athletes.

"I got some local boys together, told them we had to prepare for a demonstration and we got started," said Lennie.

Lennie said the beginning of the group was challenging because none of the young boys knew any of the games.

"At first it was hard to get them involved," he said.

"But once they got started it just took off."

Lennie remembered the flight out of Inuvik to Norman Wells en route to Yellowknife.

"We were all sitting together practising the finger pull, which distracted the stewardess from serving lunch," said Lennie with a laugh.

"When we got there, I remember seeing Glen Tingmiak being the first person to light the AWG flame."

Lennie said the team ran their demonstrations for the audience, including then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Lennie said that he was asked to perform the games one more time in a last minute show for Trudeau.

"They told me that if we could demonstrate the games one more time, he would make his plane wait."

Lennie and his boys gave Trudeau an encore right in front of the building.

"We put the plywood down and did it right there on the spot," said Lennie.

Now Lennie spends his time with his friends teaching youth the games that were brought through many generations.

"I learned them from my elders and I pass the knowledge on," he said.

"It all started in Inuvik. If anyone thinks it started somewhere else, it didn't."

Now, the new brood of traditional athletes are preparing for a special development camp.

Arctic Sports coach Donald Kuptana said that the regional qualifiers for the 2008 AWG will be in Inuvik on Aug. 24 for a weekend camp.

"All of the regional athletes will be in town to work on their skills," said Kuptana.

"This will be a good event for the athletes as they prepare for the 2008 games."