Kattivik was the three day Northwest Native Trade Festival held here in Kotzebue. In the past the Eskimos were a nomadic people but would gather either on the spit of land Kotzebue now sits on, or at Sesoakik the spit of land across the sound from Kotzebue. They would trade goods, compete in games, and have potlatches, which would be the equivalent of bring a dish parties.
The first day was cold and rainy so the events were held indoors. This included the ceremonial lighting of a seal oil lamp, prayers, singing, games, tables set up for sale items, and danching.
The second day was clear, sunny and warm so the events were all held outside. There were many games such as the high kick, leg wrestling, salmon cutting, duck plucking, Quayak (kayak) racing, water bucket race, blanket toss and others. That evening there was a continuation of the dance competition and a seal cleaning demonstration.
Christy, our oldest daughter participated in the leg wrestling and took third place. We all got a tan to boot.
The third day once again was cold and drizzly so the potlatch and art competition were moved indoors. It was a short day as by now everyone had had three full days of festivities including Independence day and I cannot speak for anyone else, but I was kind of tired.
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Last updated:
08/29/05
/100_4184.JPG "The kneeling jump where you start from the knees then jump up and forward.")
/100_4450.JPG "A local lady in colorful traditional dress.")
/100_4451.JPG "The Quayak (kayak) races in modern kayaks purchased for the event.")
/100_4764.JPG "A whaleing crew member from up north displays his pride on his jacket.")
/100_4765.JPG "The seal used for the demonstration. The hide, fat, meat, and flippers will all be used.")
/100_4773.JPG "Experienced hands make quick work of it.")
/100_4782.JPG "A well used ulu in older but deft hands.")
/100_4784.JPG "Christy in front of an old style dwelling.")
/100_4332.JPG "The two foot high kick. The winner kicked over 6 feet.")
/100_4454.JPG "Christy squaring off with her competitor.")
/100B4460.JPG "Christy defeating her opponent.")
/100B4490.JPG "Christy being rolled into a ball by the first place winner.")
/100B4270.JPG "The competitors in the salmon cutting contest.")
/100B4301.JPG "The winner with a beautifully cut fish.")
/100B4510.JPG "The duck pluking contest.")
/100B4593.JPG "Getting air time at the blanket toss.")
/100B4683.JPG "A male competitor. The \"blanket\" is a walrus hide with rope looped through holes cut in it.")
/100_4667.JPG "It is strenuous work for the folks around the blanket.")
/100_4785.JPG "A Russian Eskimo from Chukotka.")
/100_4754.JPG "The dancers from Point Hope. Note the gloves and mukluks (boots).")
/100_4759.JPG "A beautiful hand made pair of mukluks.")
/100_4725.JPG "The dancers from Point Barrow.")
/100_4729.JPG "The Barrow drummers.")
/100_4761.JPG "An older male acts out a scene probably the same way his ancestors have for hundreds if not thousands of years.")
/100_4758.JPG "Lady dancers from Point Hope in traditional garb.")
/100_4728.JPG "More Barrow ladies.")
/100_4743.JPG "A man from one of the villages participates in the group dancing in which everyone was invited to participate. Note he is wearing gloves.")
/100_4791.JPG "Some of the different catagories in the art competiton.")
/100_4792.JPG "The table containing the Russian entries.")
/100_4793.JPG "More artwork.")
/100_4794.JPG "The potlatch wrapping up. It had traditional fare including whale, fish, seal, and \"Eskimo ice cream\". It also contained cakes and other pastries.")