Inuvik celebrates 60th anniversary

Inuvik celebrated its 60th anniversary with a weekend full of events, games, and dancing.

Denise McDonald, chair of the planning committee, said the theme of the celebrations was "bringing friends together."

Bernice Lavoie, Vina Norris, Maria Arey Storr, Jackie Challis, Mary Ann Ross, Brian McDonald, Jim McDonald and Ruby St Amand were also on the organizing committee for the anniversary events.

"Inuvik is a place of connection," said McDonald. "Sixty years is not a long time, but there have been a lot of people who have come in and out and kept in contact. People have come a long way to come and celebrate with us and connect with old friends, so it was very good."

McDonald said a highlight of the weekend for her was at the opening ceremony.

"At one point I looked around and there was smoke from all the fires, and people were laughing, fiddle music was playing, I just loved it," she said.

Another highlight was the '60s themed dance, complete with dancing contests – the jive contest was held in memory of Beverly Esau, who McDonald said loved to dance.

"It was a dress up contest, and a twist, jive, Carlton and limbo contest," she said. "It was a lot of fun, there are a lot of people here who love jiving."

Canoe races, a community fish fry, a pancake breakfast, a community sing-along and cultural demonstrations in the park in collaboration with the Great Northern Arts Festival were all part of the weekend's festivities.

"I love the Delta, I love Inuvik, I love the people, this is my home and I just like to see things happen," said McDonald. "I think everyone had someone very special who came back to visit, and I think everyone is going away with some happiness in their hearts."

David Billy Sager returned to Inuvik to partake in the 60th anniversary celebrations.

"I love coming back every time I get the chance … I always want to come back, but this is a perfect time because I knew other people were coming back too," said Sager. "It's such a great feeling, we're staying up until 2 a.m. visiting with old friends, and then we get up at 6 a.m. and start all over again and see as many people as I can."

Sager said he grew up in Inuvik in the '60s. His father was a janitor at the airport, and his mother worked at the hospital in housekeeping.

This is the second time he's returning to Inuvik for an anniversary. He also came back for the town's 50th anniversary.

"It's all about the people," he said. "That's what I really miss."