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INUVIK - He was no match for Aklavik's muskrat skinning sensation Barbara Archie, but that didn't matter to the young Cape Bretoner who was just hoping to save face.

"It was challenging because you have the locals who actually know what they're doing and they're ripping right through it in two seconds," said a smiling Neil Gunn.

Neil Gunn, left, gives it his best shot alongside Richard Gordon during Saturday's muskrat skinning competition at the Jamboree. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The Muskrat Jamboree rookie wasted no time signing up for Saturday afternoon's skinning contest. Gunn mounted the platform and tore off his jacket and mitts, ready to get down to business. Luckily, fellow competitor Richard Gordon was kneeling right next to him, so he used him as a reference, peering back and forth.

But then came the challenging part.

"The head. I couldn't figure out what to do with the head, so eventually I just chopped it off and got rid of it."

Jeffrey Amos blew away the competition, getting the job done in a matter of seconds.

Though Gunn and Archie competed separately in the men's and women's division, she praised the eager East Coaster for taking part.

"That's what it's all about," the 57-year-old said with a laugh.

Her time was 1 minute and 16 seconds, even after having to retie the string holding the animal steady.

In her heyday, Archie skinned up to 500 muskrats a day while living on the land. She was quick to pick up the knack for it after her first lesson at age 10 from her brother David. Her sister participated in the lesson but, like Gunn, struggled with what to do with the head.

Archie said she finds a sense of peace in the traditional practice as it provides memories of days gone by.

"It's something to do when you're out on the land," she said. "No telephone, no nothing. Nobody knocking on your door. It's wonderful."

The grandmother of 15 plans to pass on the practice to the young ones when they get old enough. With any hope, she said, they'll be eager to pick it up and pass it on.

Though Gunn relished the opportunity to connect with the people and culture, he knows he's got a lot to learn.

"Something like this definitely gives me more respect and a greater insight into the traditional ways and culture, but I definitely want to experience more and more festivals and events like this one."