Photo: Celebrating the return of the sun on Bylot Island

As part of this year’s celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, and recognizing the importance of the sun’s return for Canada’s Inuit, Parks Canada is hosting two Return of the Sun ceremonies. The first event, above, took place near Bylot Island’s Inguaq Mountain in Sirmilik National Park Jan. 29. Members of the community were invited to join Parks Canada staff by snowmobile in the morning to witness the brilliant, but brief, sunrise at around 12:13 p.m. Fires helped to keep everyone warm as temperatures dipped to -34 C. Parks Canada will host its second event Sat., Feb. 4 in Pond Inlet. An iglu building contest begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by a feast at the community hall at 5 p.m. and a pie baking contest at 6 p.m. Games and family activities will follow until 8 p.m. (PHOTO BY CAREY ELVERUM/PARKS CANADA)