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INUVIK - Inuvik is already set to host the Olympic Torch Relay in November, and some of our drum dancers will perform at the Games in Vancouver next year, but that's not stopping a local group from trying to get even more residents involved.

Jackie Challis, the town's tourism co-ordinator, is heading up the team's efforts in planning activities around the torch's arrival in less than six months. Residents interested in being torch bearers can visit RBC and Coca-Cola's websites to fill out an application.

Jackie Challis, Inuvik's tourism co-ordinator, is shown with some 2010 Olympic Games promotional pamphlets. She's heading up a group focused on raising interest for the upcoming Olympic Torch Relay through Inuvik in November, as well as getting artists to perform on site at the world event. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

She's also hoping local artists will apply to the territorial government to put their talents on display during the world event.

Last month the NWT government signed a more than $2 million contract with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, part of which will involve showcasing the territory's artists on a world stage.

"We're looking for ways that residents can celebrate - here's how you can a have a role in the bigger picture of the games. We know we have so many talented musicians here and it's great exposure for us and them," said Challis.

The event, which is called Northern Weekend, will run from Feb. 19 to 21, 2010, and will feature visual and performing artists ranging in media from sculpture, printmaking, basketry, jewelry making, film and media arts, storytelling and theatre. The deadline for applications is May 31.

The Inuvik Drummers and Dancers are awaiting word on whether they'll perform at the games' opening ceremonies. Back in February, the 12 performed for an audience of about 150 Olympic staff members in Vancouver as part of the Cultural Olympiad event. The group will find out by October if they will be part of the select group of entertainers.

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation has already joined forces with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami for a joint National Inuit Committee on the Vancouver 2010 Games.

Peggy Jay, IRC communications advisor, said the group is working directly with the Vancouver Organizing Committee with the aim of ensuring Inuvialuit performers make it to the Olympics, especially since the inukshuk, which is the Olympic emblem, also represents the Inuvialuit people.

"They're the ambassadors for the Inuvialuit," she said. "I think it's important for them to see who the Inuvialuit are. We have performers in Tuktoyaktuk, Uluhaktok, Aklavik, Paulatuk and Inuvik.

"Whether it's performing at the live celebration sites or at the victories ceremonies, we will be there."