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Northern Games Society
The Northern Games Society is a not-for-profit Society whose vision and mandate are to preserve, support and teach the cultural practices of Inuit and Inuvialuit from across the circumpolar world. The games provide a reliable opportunity for professional and personal development, sportsmanship, competition, and the promotion of marketing of the unique cultural way of life on a world stage.
The Northern Games Society began with a group of elders, volunteers, and professionals all focused on celebrating the best the Arctic has to offer. Since its earliest days, the vision and enthusiasm of many volunteers have helped this event evolve into the premier signature event of the North. Still today, the Society is composed of dedicated volunteers who are focused on gathering participants to exhibit Inuit skills from living off the land, drum dance, and athletic achievements.
Since 1970, the Northern Games has been held as an annual event in the Arctic. Communities in the North including Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Kuglutuk, and Arviat have hosted this event. In most recent years it has planned on a five-year cycle to allow for fundraising, proper planning and meaningful participation of communities invited.
The Northern Games are the cultural activities of the Inuit, and they include tests of strength and endurance, agility, resistance to pain, and the social games along with the good women and good man skills, sewing and drum dance. It highlights traditional dress and fashion, Inuit drum dancer development showcasing spectacular performances. Each day is highlighted with feats of athletic ability showcasing agility, strength and endurance, resistance to pain games, artistic and cultural performances as well as a show case of traditional on the land skill the elders bring from their life experiences on the land.
meet the team
Northern Games Society Members
Lena Kotokak l Mellisa Rogers l Darlene Gruben l Ethel Jean Gruben l Tamara Voudrach l Hans Lennie l Robert B. Gruben l Josh McDonald l Gloria Nasogaluak l Katrina Cockney l Tianna Gordon-Ruben l Meagan Shayne Cockney l Patrick Gruben l Crystal Lennie l Jayda Kogiak