YKDFN Spring Carnival ‘turned out great’ in part thanks to backup generator

It survived an historic power outage on one day, and was tested by high winds on the next, but the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) 2025 Spring Carnival was a success, says organizer Jennifer Charlo.

“It was good — everything turned out great,” said Charlo, who is a Family Wellness Programmer with the YKDFN. “The power outage on Saturday? No, it didn’t affect anything at the Chief Drygeese Hall, because they had a backup generator.

“It was quite windy on Sunday when we first started the outdoor events, but after a while, when we were playing the games like the snow snake and the lock throw, like, because we’re getting physically active, like, everybody was quite warm.

“I’m just happy it’s done, and we’re looking forward to the 2026 carnival.”

The popular outdoor competitions for Tea Boiling, Log Sawing, Nail Pounding and Snow Snakes were at the Baseball Field Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Three-on-Three Pond Hockey event was a hit with the younger crowd this year, said organizer Paul Betsina.

“Finally, we have more kids playing — years passed and was only just the just the adults,” said Betsina, attributing the increase to good advance promotion by the overall organizers.

“I’ve really got to give the credit to the organizing committee. With Jennifer Charlo and her staff (they really) helped us get this going – it made it so simple for me.”

Events throughout the weekend featured a fishing derby on Akaitcho Bay, with a Talent Show Friday night in the conference centre.

The Tea Boiling event involved starting a fire by chopping logs down and starting a fire with as few matches as possible. Then, judges literally watch a pot, waiting for the water to boil.

Jessica Sangris was happy with her performance this year.

“I tried last year and I failed,” she said. “(This year), I just made lots of small kindling. That’s the secret. I got farther than I did last year. Last year I had to give up because I couldn’t even split my log open.”

Saturday featured the start of a two-day Sled Dog Race organized by Northwest Sled Dog Association, with onlookers lining up on both sides of the track.