June 19th-23rd, 2010 pt.4

One major difference and highlight between the Dalton and Dempster Highways is that an actual town exists at the end of the road of the latter—Inuvik.  With a population of about 3,500 and temperatures that has reached -58 degrees Celsius, it is the most northerly town which one could drive to during the summer months in Canada.  We really couldn’t have timed it better.  Today, Inuvik celebrates Aboriginal Day which also coincides with the summer solstice.  It’s going to be day filled with activities and performances showcasing aboriginal cultures.  We can hardly wait!

Our first stop: The Western Arctic Regional Visitors Centre

This couple drove their car all the way from Vancouver.  They couldn’t have picked a better place to spend their vacation. 

 Jim Coe Park is where all the festivities took place

The barbecue’s all fired up!  We were so excited when we found out that all the food was free.

First course of the day: A nice juicy hamburger

CBC Radio was covering the event and asked us a few questions about our trip

Of course we helped out where it was needed

We met this fella who’s starting his bike ride across Canada. 

And we thought we were hardcore

We ran into Manuel & Mira again and we also met ADV’ers MikeRD400 & WheatWacker who joined in on the festivities.  Even the Mounties joined in on the fun.

Second course for the day: Smoked, dried, and barbequed whitefish

It doesn’t get any fresher than this

One thing’s for sure, there wasn’t a shortage of food. 

Dried whitefish

There was a fashion show

It seems like this poor girl was forced to go up on stage.  She didn’t look like she was having a good time.

A drum & dance performance

Then there’s the blanket toss (Nalukatuk).  Here I am holding a blanket made from canvas, getting ready to toss the blanket dancer up in the air.

The blanket dancer

Up he goes!  Participants can reach heights of up to 20 feet and more. 

Others can join in too…if you have the guts. 

The blanket toss was first used by Inuit hunters so that they can spot animals far off in the distance.

Home and native land.

A time of celebration.

This is Canada.