Canada Day events in Nunavut promise food, fun
From Sanikiluaq to Grise Fiord to Taloyoak, communities across Nunavut are ready to celebrate Canada Day with a host of activities.
Beyond the patriotic parades and barbecues, many hamlets are once again putting their northern spin on the holiday with tea-and bannock-making competitions, best-decorated ATV contests and Inuktitut dancing.
"There'll be a lot of food, a lot of activity," said Joseph Quqqiaq with the Hamlet of Taloyoak.
The Kitikmeot community will be hosting a long day of festivities beginning with the singing of O Canada in Inuktitut and ending with a dance for the community.
"Seeing people together, enjoying the outdoor event," he said. "I enjoy seeing people with a smile on their face."
Cape Dorset will also hold a full day of events starting with a flag-raising outside the RCMP detachment at 11 a.m. local time.
"I'm very excited about the performance of the national anthem," said Etidloie Adla, Cape Dorset's director of recreation. "A friend of mine, a member of the Sikusilak band will be performing O Canada with his guitar."
Adla says people are looking forward to the event, as usual.
'Everyone's welcome' at events
In Nunavut's capital, residents will not only be treated to several barbecues and family events, but this will be the last day of activities for the 11th edition of the Alianait Arts Festival.
There will be free arts events including a circus workshop at 10 a.m. in the Nakasuk gym and a Canada Day concert at the tent in front of the school at 2 p.m.
But if the annual parade is still your favourite Canada Day activity, you won't be disappointed.
Anyone in Iqaluit who wants to go beyond spectating, should be at the Arctic Winter Games Complex at 11:30 a.m.
"Families, groups, individuals – everyone's welcome to be in the parade," said Jeremy Debicki, recreation coordinator for the City of Iqaluit.
"There's prizes for the best float, the best Canadian spirit, the creative entry and then the best kids entry."
The parade will begin at the complex, continue down to the Four Corners intersection and then on to Nakasuk School.
Other events happening around the territory:
Arviat:
The day kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m., then there will be contests with prizes and a barbecue outside the Community Hall.
Baker Lake:
The community's arena is holding a series of games, followed by a talent show starting at 1 p.m.
Cape Dorset:
At 11 a.m., people in the Baffin community will meet for a flag-raising, followed by a parade led by the fire truck. It is set to begin near the hamlet office. Following a barbecue lunch, the hamlet will hold games in the parking lot of the Northern Store. In the evening, there will be dancing at the community hall wrapping up around midnight.
Grise Fiord:
Nunavut's northernmost hamlet will begin its festivities at 12:30 p.m. in front of the RCMP detachment, where there will be miniature boat races, cake decorating, Sculpin fishing and bike-decorating contests.
Iqaluit:
Starting at 9 a.m. the city will hold a pancake breakfast, followed by the Canada Day parade at noon, then a barbecue and children's activities in front of Nakasuk School. Nunavut Tourism is also hosting a barbecue from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside the Unikkaarvik Visitor's Centre.
Kimmirut:
The day kicks off with a barbecue in the open area near the church, followed by several contests including a bicycle race event and cake-decorating contest.
Rankin Inlet:
There will be games all day at the hamlet office, beginning with the singing of O Canada.
Repulse Bay:
Residents will raise the flag near the hamlet offices at 2 p.m., followed by a series of contests, a truck, ATV and bike parade at 4 p.m., a Sculpin derby and indoor games.
Sanikiluaq:
A series of 20 events and contests will be held near the Fire Hall, including the best-decorated ATV, ninja acting, and tea-making.
Taloyoak:
Beginning at 11 a.m. and running until midnight, people in Taloyoak will have a number of events for people of all ages, including an egg toss, live music and Inuktitut dancing.
