A traditional Inuit village consisting of several iglus built just outside of Iglulik will be the site of a community celebration this weekend, if Mother Nature cooperates.

This is the scene at Iglulik Point, a couple of kilometres outside of Iglulik. Several iglus have been constructed and a community celebration is set for this weekend. photos courtesy of Merlyn Recinos/Hamlet of Igloolik

The festivities were planned for last weekend but poor weather forced postponement.

Mayor Celestino Uyarak said he’s very impressed with the efforts of local residents who assembled the snow blocks to form shelters.

“I think it’s one of our best projects in years,” Uyarak said. “We took a tour and they did a great job. Some kids have never seen these kinds of iglus being built before… they were very amazed.”

Including the iglu builders, various performers, food preparation staff and other contributors, the number of people involved in the initiative is close to 100, Uyarak said.

Drum dancing, traditional games and a community feast are among the planned activities this weekend.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Government of Nunavut provided funding for the project, which was organized by the Hamlet.

Susan Avingaq gets cozy inside one of the iglus.
Theo Ikummaq puts a snow block in place as an iglu nears its final form. Raphael Qrunngut stands in the background.

 

 

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