Although there are no maple trees in Nunavut, the Canadian flag bearing the maple leaf symbol of national unity will fly in communities across the territory on July 1 — Canada Day.
In Grise Fiord, the sun won’t set on the day of activities and celebration planned for the 150 or so residents.
Marty Kuluguqtuq, the hamlet’s assistant senior administrative officer, said the recreation committee has a picnic planned with a potluck and hamlet-provided food to ensure everyone is well-fed during the day.
“We have a Canada Day picnic area, which is at the edge of town, and we gather up there at the old airport strip,” Kuluguqtuq said.
Before that gets underway, he said adults and kids can participate in a sculpin fishing derby for a chance at winning gift certificates or a cash award.
“People tend to call them the ‘ugly fish’,” he laughed. “We measure those by weight and it is a catch-and-release type of thing. They are still edible, though. Some people still eat them, of course,” he noted.
Kuluguqtuq said a mid-afternoon sailboat race for adults and kids will be held in the lake located in the middle of the hamlet. Participants will make their own boat and then they will see who can cross to the other side the quickest.
On a personal note, Kuluguqtuq said celebrating Canada Day, with all the happenings in the world and potential sovereignty issues arising, was very “appropriate to acknowledge.”
“It’s for the people, for the politicians and decision-makers at the hamlet, and the North,” he said of the significance of recognizing the day.
Celebration and inclusion
In Kugluktuk senior administrative officer Kevin Niptanatiak said Canada Day is “going to be an action-packed day” in the community of 1,600.
“Our recreation coordinator, Mathious (Boulianne), has done a great job and has involved other agencies to make this a community event,” he said.
The celebrations start at noon with a parade and prizes for the best-decorated vehicle.
From 1-3 p.m., the community barbecue begins on the beach, where the lifeguard and swimming area is located.
“During that time, there's going to be face painting, temporary tattoos and even a scavenger hunt to get the kids involved. There will be live music. It's going to be fun,” Niptanatiak predicted.
Then at 3:30 p.m., the canoe races are scheduled to begin.
“So there will be prizes for winning teams. We'll ensure that the people are wearing approved life jackets, and make it a safe, fun environment for all ages,” he said.
“And then at 6:30 p.m. inside our arena, where usually we have our skating rink, it's going to have turf, because it's concrete flooring and we’re going to have ‘extreme tag’ for all ages.”
Throughout the day, a photo contest will be held as well, where people can post their photos on their Facebook page and community members can comment on their favourite pictures.
“And to celebrate all volunteers, there's going to be a volunteer draw. All volunteers helping during the day will be entered in a draw for a thank-you prize,” said Niptanatiak.
Prior to the Canada Day activities, Niptanatiak noted that a community cleanup was held.
“I think with everything that's happening (in the world), that there's so much negativity, I think we need to put a positive spin on what we have and the freedoms that we have here in our beautiful country. We've got to put a positive spin on it, celebrate it and include everyone," he said. “This is a date to celebrate Canada's birthday, and all of us here that inhabit this fantastic place."
Festive on the bay
On the western shore of Hudson Bay, Arviat is also planning Canada Day festivities.
Jolene Kigusiutnar, recreation director for the hamlet, said it's important in the community to celebrate and recognize the event.
“So I think it's very important that we do this so people can come out and enjoy it, make friends, mingle with people they haven't seen in maybe a couple of weeks, because people here, they usually just stay home,” Kigusiutnar said.
“When there's a big event, everyone comes out and everyone celebrates. Everyone is there. It's just a big celebration, and it's really important to keep it going.”
In addition to a parade, a fishing derby is also in the works with the first 10 people catching fish getting a prize.
Afterwards, Kigusiutnar said the adults will converge on the old airstrip for an all-terrain vehicle race, in addition to tug of war and relay races. Meanwhile, youths under 16 will head to the community hall for a day of various games.
A huge barbecue will bring the entire community together at 5 p.m.
“There's going to be the drop-in centre making 500 cupcakes for this event too. So we're going to be barbecuing burgers, hot dogs and distributing cupcakes and juice boxes for this," said Kigusiutnar. “So it's going to be a big event.”
Inuit resilience and strength
In the territory’s capital of Iqaluit, Mayor Solomon Awa offered his thoughts on what Canada Day stands for.
“Canada Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Canadian from a Nunavut perspective. In Iqaluit, we celebrate with open hearts, welcoming all to share in Inuit culture, community spirit and the enduring strength of the North,” he stated.
“We recognize that the relationship between Inuit and the Government of Canada has not always been easy. The impacts of that history are still deeply felt. While many have found ways to move forward, the memories remain.
“Yet, there is pride in being part of a country that values fairness, dialogue and the capacity to grow. The strength and resilience of Inuit have carried our communities through generations of challenge and change, and continue to guide us today.
“As we look ahead, our focus is on walking this path together, grounded in reconciliation, the revitalization of Inuit culture and a shared commitment to a future where every voice is heard. We celebrate in a way that inspires future generations to carry forward our traditions and values with pride.
“This is our day to celebrate not only who we are, but the country we are working together to become,” Awa concluded.
