The 50th Northern Games will still happen, just not until 2021 as the milestone celebration in Inuvialuit games has been postponed.
Initially planned to be in July, the gathering would have drawn athletes and representatives from across the circumpolar north to Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. But with the COVID-19 pandemic still in full force, organizers decided it was best to cut their losses now and reorganize.
"The 50 year Northern Games events schedule offered a week of traditional Inuit skills and was intended to showcase games, contests of endurance and strength, offer feasts of country foods and include many of our drum dancers from the Region” said Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair and CEO Duane Smith in a statement. “While the Region will now host the event in 2021, such an ambitious celebration requires a great deal of long-term planning and fundraising effort to host properly and youth have been busy practicing for this event. Koana Quyanainni, Quyanaqpak for all your continual hard work.
"IRC looks forward to supporting the organization of the 50 Year Anniversary of Northern Games in order to honour those Inuvialuit who have always gathered for such large and celebratory events. We now anticipate a 2021 50 Year Anniversary of Northern Games focused on sharing culture- including elders mentoring youth and with the contribution of many needed volunteers, collaboration between communities and welcoming of guests to the Region. This summer we must focus on sharing cultural practices on the land with immediate family. I wish Inuvialuit continual good mental and physical health and anticipate a high-level of competition in 2021.”
A source close to the IRC who asked to remain anonymous told the Drum the Northern Games Society (NGS) would continue to fundraise throughout the year, noting the cost of bringing participants from around the Arctic is huge, and both were working actively to secure any funding that was already available.
One area the two organizations will have to backtrack on is hiring a co-ordinator to oversee the preparation of the games. The society had hired one full time since December, but they have already moved on to another opportunity.
While no major summit for the Northern Games will be happening this year, the IRC is hosting a number of online contests, including a photography contest for people staying on the land, best snow sculpture, a talent and an art and colouring contest, with prizes drawn weekly. Anyone interested in participating should email bselina@inuvialuit.com to find out more about how they can get involved.