INUVIK
Any tourists in town for the 60th annual Muskrat Jamboree last weekend got a window into just how important family ties and volunteerism are to people in Inuvik.

Greta Sittichinli, chair of the Muskrat Jamboree organizing committee, addresses the crowd during the opening ceremony. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"You will not find a friendlier or more hospitable community anywhere in the world," said Mayor Jim McDonald during the opening ceremonies Friday, April 7.

He recognized the people who made the event what it is over the years.

"Although there are too many names to mention at this time, for the most part they're the parents of the people who are assembled here today," said McDonald.

Duane Smith, president of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, pointed to the school's sports banners on the wall as evidence of the character in the community.

"Everybody's looking out for each other," he said.

"That's what all those banners up there mean. That's what teamwork is. It's supporting each other to get through life together."

Jordan Peterson, vice-president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, gave a nod to Mickey Ipana, the night's emcee.

Contributions to community

"Every jamboree that I can remember his dad (Roy) was up here making all of us laugh," said Peterson.

Inuvik Native Band Chief Lawrence Neyando and Gerry Kisoun also made comments.

Ipana recognized Emma Dick in the audience for celebrating her 91st birthday.

In the spirit if celebrating volunteerism, Muskrat Jamboree committee chairperson Greta Sittichinli remembered the contributions to the community made by the late Sandra Ipana, who passed away July 2016.

"We know Sandra would be so proud that we are carrying on what she shared with us," said Sittichinli.

"Sandra had a no-nonsense persona about her and all the volunteers and everyone alike respected her for it."

Ipana was regularly involved in the Muskrat Jamboree as treasurer and played many more roles.

'Year-round dedication'

"This is not a few days' role that she played in the Muskrat Jamboree committee," said Sittichinli.

"It was a year-round dedication to doing what she loved to do - volunteering and seeing everyone enjoy themselves.

"It was a part of who she was, along with being the wife to Roy, the mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister ... cousin and teacher."

She and Roy were very serious that the jamboree be organized by the people and not by organizations or the government, said Sittichinli, who ran down a long list of Sandra's contributions, from organizing other events to ensuring the cleanliness and quality of food served.

Sittichinli unveiled a plaque dedicated to the leadership and excellence of Sandra Ipana. It will now be an annual award presented at the jamboree.

"We want to thank the family for allowing your parents to be a part of the community, because they taught us how to serve, how to get things done," said Sittichinli.

"We know that Roy and Sandra are probably very happy to see so many people here."

After speeches, the night was filled with games, drum dancing and a community feast.

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