Parks Day events planned in three Nunavut communities

A view over the esker at Iqalugaarjuup Nunaga territorial park near Rankin Inlet, which will host Parks Day activities July 16. (PHOTO BY LESLI RYNYK)

Visitors enjoy the view overlooking the river at Iqaluit’s Sylvia Grinnell park, which will host a barbecue and activities for Parks Day July 16. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

Nunavummiut are invited to get outside and celebrate their local parks July 16.

That’s the date of this year’s Parks Day, an annual event created by the Canadian Parks Council in appreciation of the country’s national, provincial and territorial parks.

This year, three territorial parks – Sylvia Grinnell in Iqaluit, Iqalugaarjuup Nunaga in Rankin Inlet and Katannilik in Kimmirut — and have events planned for the day.

All three parks will welcome local visitors with a free barbeque and family activities July 16.

“We’re hoping to bring attention to local attractions that people can come and enjoy,” said Melodie Sammurtok, a manager and heritage appreciation coordinator at Nunavut Parks. “These events target everyone interested in enjoying a day out in nature.”

Parks Day at Sylvia Grinnell territorial park begins at 11 a.m. with the lighting of the qulliq.

Parks staff will serve up a barbeque at noon, followed by an afternoon of children’s activities, including face-painting, a scavenger hunt and a crossword puzzle.

Adults, children and elders alike can participate in an interpretive walk at 12: 15 p.m. with Iqaluit author Carolyn Mallory, who will talk about local wildflowers in bloom.

At 1:00 p.m. the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will present the Lifecycle of Fish.

For fans of creepy-crawlies, the Nunavut Research Institute will lead a river bug collecting workshop at 2:00 p.m.

And at 3:00 p.m., Iqalummiut can enjoy a traditional tea-making session with Leesee Papatsie and take part in a bannock-making competition.

All events are based near the park’s main entrance.

At Rankin Inlet’s Iqalugaarjuup Nunaga territorial park, a barbecue begins at noon at the Thule archaeological site, otherwise known as Qamaviniqtalik.

And at Katannilik territorial park, Kimmirummiut are invited to lunch, including a barbecue and country foods.

Arctic Heather will host a tea-making workshop while elder Joe Arlooktoo will give a talk on the Soper Valley and the oral history from the region.

Sirmilik national park will be celebrating its own Parks Day at Salmon Creek, just outside the community of Pond Inlet.

Parks Canada will host a barbecue there starting at 1:00 p.m. followed by games and demonstration for the whole family.

Auyuittuq national park will host an open house in its Pangnirtung Parks’ office, with a showing of the video “Over Canada” — an overview of the country’s national parks.

2011 marks the 100th birthday of Parks Canada, established in 1911 as the Dominion Parks Branch.

Centennial celebrations will continue next week in Iqaluit when Parks Canada hosts a July 23 community feast at St. Jude’s parish hall.