Omingmak Frolics in the Arctic

The sun finally gets its head above the horizon and the Inuit begin to plan for a week long celebration. After 6 dreary months with limited sun for most of the time and no sun for three months it is time to let loose. Many communities in the Arctic calculate the day on which the sun makes its appearance in the south eastern sky and for a few minutes there is cause to rejoice.

Groups of people gather and wait on the tundra to glimpse the worm red rays of life. Everything comes to life so quickly, as the summer cycle has to be completed in the long days of a two month spring and summer. The first sign is the return of the Snow Bunting sitting on a snow bank shivering but hopeful of warmer times.

In Cambridge Bay (Iqaluktutiak) where I lived for a few years, the mood changes overnight with the memories of last year's celebrations and the planning with enthusiasm to make this year's ever better.There are Inuit games of skill, dances, special bingo, feasts, outside entertainment, snow mobile races, and religious gatherings. This all starts with a parade and everyone takes part. Muskox burgers, caribou burgers, ribs and muktuk all served to the community outdoors. The temperature is sometimes still in the - 20 degree range.

I think about this at this time of year because it was one of the fondest memories I took with me from the far north. This is special because it is a happy time and characterized the real spirit of the Inuit. They have had such a struggle to move into the modern age in the last fifty years when it took us hundreds of years to accomplish the same. I shall write a little every day about this subject and share my love of the Arctic and its wonderful people.