Lots on tap for summer in western Nunavut town

Paige Udlaoyak, left, and Lindsay Marie Klengenberg, have shed winter parkas and are looking forward to summer in Cambridge Bay. The hamlet, through the community wellness centre, is offering a host of summer sports, activities and programs for residents of all ages. (PHOTO BY DENISE LEBLEU IMAGES)

Special to Nunatsiaq News

CAMBRIDGE BAY — School is out and a summer filled with fun and games is underway in Cambridge Bay.

The hamlet’s community wellness centre has organized a packed agenda of activities for the next few months.

Talia Maksagak, a community outreach worker in this western Kitikmeot town, has spent months making sure everyone in Cambridge Bay will have plenty to smile about.

“[I’m excited for the] themed teen dances,” said Maksagak. “We are also planning an outdoor teen dance — to my memory that hasn’t happen in many years.”

Another special event she says that hasn’t occurred in town for a long time is obstacle courses — and there will be two of these this summer.

But Maksagak says it’s the teen dances that have taken the longest to plan.

“We’re still in the process of planning and ordering the supplies for the dances,” she said.

And it’s not just the teens that can get their groove on.

“We have jigging and square dancing every Thursday afternoon with Kelly Niptanatiak,” she said. “And the elders take part in some of the activities.”

Also, elders will help with bringing the youth out on to the land to teach them more about their culture.

“Things such as legends, names of plants and flowers,” said Maksagak. “The [kids] are always open to learning new things every day and sometimes they even teach me things.”

Cambridge Bay’s kids will also be able to learn about hockey and basketball during the two-week long free sports sessions to be held at Kullik Ilihakvik elementary school.

And for those youth not into sports, other options are available including art and beading afternoons, game station days, fitness days, movie nights, beach days, leadership and communication skills, swimming and zumba.

On top of all that, residents can look forward to a popular colour run — a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality — which will take place in August for the first time in Cambridge Bay.

For more information on what’s coming up, watch for ads and posters around town from the wellness centre. Or call the wellness centre at 983-4670.