Brodie Thomas
Northern News Services
Published Monday, June 9, 2008

PAULATUK/INUVIK - Muktuk was on the menu as people from across the Beaufort Delta celebrated Inuvialuit Day on June 6. The day marks the signing of the Inuvialuit land claim agreement, which occurred June 5, 1984.

The agreement came after 10 years of negotiations by the Committee for Aboriginal People's Entitlement (COPE) with the federal government. It was the first comprehensive land claim agreement signed north of the 60th parallel.

In Paulatuk, Anne thrasher, who spoke before the event, said festivities were planned for the afternoon.

"People will be bringing their own country foods for the barbecue," she said.

Thrasher said another popular event that began last year was a local radio trivia with questions about people involved in the land claims agreement.

"I have some old documents from 1984. People were having so much fun remembering people who were active at that time. The whole afternoon we were reminiscing of how active the people who are now gone were at that time to promote the final agreement," said Thrasher.

She said it was an especially exciting day for all the children.

"That's what it's all about; children and elders and everybody in between enjoying the day," she said.

Everyone from children to elders also turned out at the celebration in Inuvik. Muskox burgers and small servings of "popcorn muktuk" were served up to anyone willing to wait in line. Although it had been raining all morning, the sky cleared up just in time for lunch.

Logan Ruben, 12, passed on the muktuk and instead enjoyed some cotton candy in front of the IRC building. Logan said he was pretty proud to be Inuvialuit.

"I enjoy going out on the land and learning from my elders," said Ruben.

Peter Kiktorak, 70, enjoyed more traditional food at the event. Born in Cambridge Bay, Kiktorak has lived in the Beaufort Delta since he was 4 years old.

"I just enjoy living with my people. I like it here," said Kiktorak.