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Every December, Meeka Kakudluk looks forward to seeing old friends, eating farm food and square dancing at the annual Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) Christmas party.
While it’s not the only Christmas party held by an Inuit organization in Ottawa, Kakudluk says it’s the largest, with hundreds of attendees annually.
“It’s always the best part of the year,” he said, explaining that it evokes memories of a traditional Christmas in Nunavut. But this year will be different.
The Ottawa-based organization that supports Inuit in Ontario is moving the party entirely online. TI did not respond to CBC News’ interview request, but He explained in a social media post that the decision is aimed at making the celebration more inclusive for Inuit who don’t live in the city.
To Kakudluk, that doesn’t make much sense.
“It’s going to be more difficult,” said the oldest. “They should have thought about those people who do not have access [to the internet] or who have difficulties with technology.”
Sytukie Joamie is also disappointed by the decision. Joamie has lived in Ottawa for over a decade and has attended the party almost every year.
For the Habs fan, the idea of a virtual Christmas is “unthinkable.”
“It’s like the Montreal Canadians won the Stanley Cup and the owner, Mr. Molson, canceled the Stanley Cup parade and made it virtual. That’s unheard of. Like it’s the same scenario,” he said.
Joamie explained that in Nunavut Christmas celebrations last several days and include traditional games, food and an opportunity to connect with the community.
In Ottawa, which has the largest Inuit population outside of Nunavut, he says that’s even more important. “They are all scattered,” he said, but at Christmas they come together.
“They greet each other, they have fun together, they dance together, they play together. That’s what Christmas is for them, how they grew up,” Joamie said.
The Christmas spirit is heating up in Iqaluit and the Christmas games are underway. As Samuel Wat shows us, there is plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
The organization promises online games and prizes
While TI’s social media post says there will be online games and prizes to be won, Kakudluk says it won’t be the same. He says he will miss praying with the community and feasting on Inuit delicacies such as muktuk or whale meat, char, caribou and bannock.
“You prepare them to have a good celebration,” he said.
Joamie says she wishes the organization had considered a hybrid event, so people could still meet in person and include those who want to join virtually.
Kakudluk agrees.
“We have some big, beautiful buildings where we can gather and they’re usually filled with Inuit of all kinds celebrating Christmas,” he said.
TI’s virtual Christmas celebration will take place December 8-12.
