INUVIK
If nothing else, the Muskrat Jamboree is a community effort, and the 59th edition was no different.

Women race across the snow with eggs in spoons during one of the first events of the weekend on April 2. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"If we were to add up all the hours, all the driving, cooking, sitting in meetings, everything, it would add up to thousands," said Greta Sittichinli, chairperson of the committee that organizes the jamboree every year. "I want to thank everyone who helped us get this far."

Kicking off on the night of April 1 at East Three School, hundreds of people gathered for speeches from dignitaries, a feast, dancing, drumming and games.

Sittichinli said that, for her, the opening ceremony is the highlight of the weekend.

"I hope the people who come out take a sense of happiness with them, or accomplishment, or pride," she said. "Everything this event is, it's the community making it a success, whether it's buying a ticket, going out to an event, participating in the games, whatever it is."

While the budget for the jamboree is $120,000, a lot of that is set off by the efforts of the King and Queen contestants, who altogether raised $108,000 this year. Joel Lennie and Onida Banksland were crowned for their herculean efforts in raising $47,923.

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Alfred Moses, a veteran king contestant himself, said the amount was impressive and shows the generosity of the community.

"We're always happy when we see our friends and family come in from the communities," he said, adding that he was happy the event would be dedicated to the Inuvik Transition House to help it with its important work with women from all over the region.

Inuvialiut Regional Corporation chairperson Duane Smith spoke on behalf of the organization, saying the jamboree is an event for residents as much as it is for visitors.

"It's all about getting out, being active and making friends," he said. "Don't be shy. Participate!"

Barry Greenland with the Nihtat Gwich'in Council brought it all back to volunteerism.

He said having been involved before, he knew how hard everyone was working.

"I've been there volunteering," he said. "It's hard work. You don't get any sleep, you just keep going and going and going."

Games, races, bingos and a talent show stretched across the long weekend, with hundreds of people participating. The town buzzed with energy and businesses burst with people from the region and much further afield.

Mayor Jim McDonald said the jamboree is only one year older than him and that he has so many good memories of the event through the years.

"I'd like to recognize all the elders out tonight," he said. "I'm sure you've seen a lot of jamborees in your years."

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