Traditional games rung in with smiles and tears
Northern and Dene games summit dedicated to late staff member's memory
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, March 16, 2017
INUVIK
Heartfelt emotion was on display at the opening ceremonies for the 2017 Northern and Dene Games Summit in Inuvik.
Denise McDonald of the Beaufort Delta Education Council, left, presents a gift to East Three Secondary School vice-principal Lorne Guy, who will be leaving the community after 15 years. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo
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Youth from across the Beaufort Delta, including Inuvik, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, Paulatuk, Ulakhaktok, Sachs Harbour and Tuktoyaktuk, along with students, chaperones, parents and community members gathered for a welcoming ceremony Sunday, March 12.
The smiles were put on hold for a moment as hosts paid tribute to Bradley Charlie, an East Three School alumni and staff member who died earlier this month.
Charlie was 22. The cause of death was not known at press time.
"Anyone who had the privilege of knowing young Bradley knows that he always welcomed you with kindness and that beautiful smile of his," said Gerry Kisoun. "Darn good high kicker too."
Chris Church, another member of the East Three School staff, struggled to maintain his composure while speaking about Charlie.
"Not once have you ever seen someone so happy and filled with life, always willing to spread the happiness anywhere we went, no matter any circumstance," said Church. "He was always there to comfort you."
Church said Charlie was a person who never gave up on anything or anyone.
"Brad was one in a million, because he was a guy that no matter what life threw at you, he always had an answer for it, and it was always the right one," said Church.
"Brad was so many things and meant so much to everyone."
Church said he looked at Charlie every day and thought, "I wish I could be him, man."
He told youth at the summit to always try their best and know there is always someone supporting them no matter what.
"I'm still working my best to be just like him," said Church. "Because not once did he give up."
Another departure
It was also announced at the ceremony that East Three School vice-principal Lorne Guy would be leaving the school at the end of the year after 15 years in the community.
He was honoured with a gift from Denise McDonald of the Beaufort Delta Education Council for his instrumental work in organizing and running youth events such as the games.
"I know that you showed your expressions of gratitude to myself and my family today, but I will tell you that I don't know if we can ever repay you for what we've gained from being here," said Guy to the crowd.
He wanted to express that it was not just himself but a team of committed people who helped make the games happen.
"I have to say that the best part of these games and the best part of coming together like this (is) I get so excited when people come off the planes and people get off the buses and I get to see the smiles," said Guy. "I'm so thankful we're all here safely and we've got two wonderful days' worth of games."
Bobbi Jo Greenland-Morgan, president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, said that Inuvik is very multicultural now but at its roots are the traditional Gwich'in and Inuvialuit values of welcoming and caring for each other.
"I would just like to encourage all of you to keep those values in mind throughout the week," said Greenland-Morgan. "Life is so precious.
"There's no promise of tomorrow, so you've got to think of today and just live the best you can."
Chris Gilmour, BDEC superintendent, said schools in the North are often a gathering place for community events.
Renewed Northern spirits
"This evening we've celebrated the life of Bradley Charlie," said Gilmour. "Tomorrow we'll be celebrating the games going on."
He said the Northern and Dene Games have renewed Northern spirits and provided a platform for students to gather and showcase the culture of their communities.
"The one thing that sticks out in my mind is the rich experience the event has always brought to our students," said Gilmour. "It's the one time of the year representatives from all of our schools are able to gather, to compete and to collaborate together."
The games took place all day Monday and Tuesday, with students taking part in many other events and activities while together in Inuvik.
