From April 8 to 11, the Beaufort Delta thundered with the return of the Inuvik Muskrat Jamboree. The major festival was back in full gear after a subdued jamboree in 2021 due to Covid-19 and being outright cancelled the year before. Many festival favourites, such as feasts and live performances, made their triumphant return as residents competed in feats of strength, skill and speed. All photos submitted.
Winston Moses shows off his favourite clothes during the traditional garb parade. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
An aerial of the snowmobile racetrack set up on the Mackenzie East Branch for a weekend of high speed races. Photo courtesy Kristian Binder
Gage Francis, centre, make sawdust in the men’s long sawing. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Start of the Men’s Open Class 100-mile track race. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Snowmobile racers turn a corner in this aerial shot of the river races. Photo courtesy of Kristian Binder
The Women’s Open Class 75-mile track race begins. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Esther and daughter Maggie Ipana show off their traditional garb. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
A racer kicks up dust as she begins the second half of the Women’s 75-mile race track. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
An aerial of snowmobile racers taking off from the starting line. Photo courtesy of Kristian Binder
Racers in the Women’s 75-mile track race are neck-and-neck around tight corners. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Long-time volunteer Jeffery Amos keeps an eye on the plank walk. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Adrian Kagyut makes a final burst to outpace Tony Pratte in a thrilling race which showed the two keeping stride-for-stride until the end. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Tony Pratte congratulates Adrian Kagyut and offers a pick-me-up to prevent leg cramps. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Jojo Arey begins the return leg. Photo courtesy Nigit’stil Norbert
Jemra Gruben keeps pace with Mitchell Jacobson at the midpoint of the race. Photo courtesy of Nigit’stil Norbert
Start of the Isaac Simon & Mary Firth Memorial Masters Open Dog Race. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Crowds gather at the community games area for the log sawing competition. Photo courtesy of Kristian Binder
Racers are neck-and-neck during the snowshoe races. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Women’s 75-mile racers kick up the snow. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Women’s 75-mile racer Charlene Black, in the white jacket, stays on 3rd place in the first lap. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Barbara Arey of Aklavik puts her traditional skills to use in the tea boiling contest. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Gage Francis gives his Fonz impression in the snow race. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Norbert
Daniel Lucas makes a throw during the harpoon toss. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
Esther Ipana lets loose during the harpoon toss. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
John Day hoists a muskrat skin after winning the skinning competition. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
Talent show singing winner Colin Allen Jr. plays a tune for an eager crowd. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
Sheila Mattson, George Lennie and Maverick Lennie show off their traditional dress. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Kolb
That was one long time without seeing the people, the community, and our friends and neighbors out just having some good times and visiting once again in the god given playground we continue to use. Happy Spring each and everyone.