Muskrat Jamboree reaches 60
Annual event promotes outdoor fun and healthy living; traditional drum dancing and sharing of food, stories
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, April 6, 2017
INUVIK
The Muskrat Jamboree's 60th anniversary is being dedicated to jamboree volunteers past and present.
NNSL file photo
Jerry Rogers finishes skinning his muskrat during last year's Muksrat Jamboree. This year will mark the carnival's 60th anniversary.
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"The ones who give their time and energy . that's how we're able to continue this legacy of celebrating our culture and language with the people who come to the carnival," said Greta Sittichinli, chair of the organizing committee.
The annual event features games, feasts, performances and much more.
"The Muskrat Jamborees (is an event that) is inclusive to all, so we have our Gwich'in and Inuvialuit cultures celebrated by performances," said Sittichinli, explaining the event's cultural significance.
"You'll see traditional drum dancing, the sharing of food and stories.
"When we tell our stories we're connecting to those who are still with us and those who aren't with us, and we're connecting to a place.
"We have our spring carnival because we're celebrating coming out of a long, cold season and we're welcoming the new season of spring."
Dignitaries will introduce the jamboree following the opening ceremonies at East Three School starting 5 p.m. Friday, April 7.
There is no Muskrat Jamboree king this year, only a queen.
She will be crowned during the opening ceremonies.
The queen of the event is the person who raises the most money for it.
"We'll crown her with a muskrat fur hat, a sash and some slippers," said Sittichinli.
After that, participants can engage in a community feast, ending the night with games, dancing contests, drum dancing and an old time dance with the Delta Good Time Band.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday will all be full of games, including nail driving, the harpoon throw, tea boiling, traditional dress contests, Ski-Doo races, sled dog races, egg toss and more.
Sittichinli said a lot of work has gone into making the event happen this year.
"We encourage people to come out and celebrate and support the jamboree because it is family oriented," she said.
"We always see the parents and the kids down there together. We're celebrating community.
"It's not just our celebration, it's the whole community's. Without all these people who support us, we're not able to have this big event."
The annual event promotes a healthy, sober lifestyle, Sittichinli said, with people enjoying good weather and fun games.
