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INUVIK - The hungry people of Inuvik could thank the Gwich'In for hosting its annual Thanksgiving turkey feast last week.

The gathering at the office on Council Crescent takes place every year at this time, where workers at the office bring in goodies for the open-door dinner.

Margaret Gordon prepares a Thanksgiving plate while Andrew Kendi hams it up for the camera. The Gwich'In Tribal council held its annual holiday feast on Friday afternoon. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Margaret Gordon, career development officer for the Gwich'in Tribal Council, said the event is always well attended by people from all over town.

Gordon said the doors are opened to anyone who wants a plate and some nice company for a lunch hour.

"We do this to give thanks for the year and to get together for a nice meal," she said.

She explained the food is made by people who work in the building, but more help is needed.

"We also get people to help us by cooking other things, or helping out any way they can," said Gordon.

She said the feast could not have been a reality without the help of Ruby McLeod and Ruby Edwards.

Gordon said the Gwich'in feast is similar to most community dinners held in town.

"We have the regulars, turkey, ham, salads," she said.

It's thanks to the traditional sides that really make the meal.

"We have bannock and homemade bread," she said.

This year, some contributors also brought in some home-creations for the crowds to try out.

"We had some people make their own cranberry sauce," she said.

To promote the event, Gordon said she makes calls to local offices, informing them of the feast.

"We also took out some space on the rolling channel and on the radio," said Gordon.

Even though she went to all the trouble of advertising the feast, Gordon said nothing beats the effectiveness of word-of-mouth.

"Word gets around fast and people are always looking forward to our thanksgiving dinner," she said.

Gordon said the dinner bell rings at noon and the service doesn't stop until the serving platters are spotless.

"We open at lunchtime and don't close it down until the food is gone," she said.

On estimate, Gordon said she thinks about 300 to 400 people drop in for a plate and a friendly atmosphere.

She said she hoped that everyone shared a good meal with family and friends over the thanksgiving weekend.

"On behalf of the GTC, we'd just like to wish everyone out there a happy thanksgiving weekend," she said.