Celebrating the birth of Christ

By Darrell Greer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When it comes to celebrating the holiday season, it’s all about remembering the reason for Christmas to begin with — the birth of Jesus Christ — according to Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr.

Savikataaq said down south the Christmas season has become too commercialized.

But, he adds, in Canada’s North, many people still stick close to remembering why Christmas is happening to begin with.

“Christmas is about the birth of our lord, savior and redeemer, and not so much about the commercial aspects of it,” said Savikataaq.

“I’ve found it to be always like that here in Arviat because of our faith. Arviat has always been a very strong Christian community and we will continue to be like that.

“Look at all the evidence around. No matter where you look, there’s evidence of creation and this is part of it.”

Savikataaq said when the holiday season rolls around and he hears non-believers claiming the birth of Christ is nothing more than a myth, he just tries to ignore the comments.

He said when he hears people say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas, he believes they have it wrong.

“Even if they don’t believe the real reason for Christmas, they’re celebrating it, so, in a way, they are participating.

“As far as the whole Santa Claus thing getting a little out of control, it’s yes and no for me. Christmas is more about our saviour, not Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas, if you’d prefer.

“People give each other gifts and that’s what happened when Jesus was born, they gave him gifts, so that tradition is simply continuing today.”

Among the things he enjoys seeing during Christmas are people getting together, eating together, celebrating and remembering, he said.

However, in reality, things are not always great for everyone during the holidays, he acknowledged.

“Christmas is one of the hardest times of the year for many people, especially those who have lost loved ones.

“I, myself, was shedding tears at Polo Park in Winnipeg this past week because it brought me back to Kadin [Savikataaq’s daughter who has been missing since Aug. 20, 2024]. The first time she went to Santa Claus was in that mall.”

Savikataaq said he still, very much, looks forward to Christmas every year.

He said he truly enjoys the atmosphere during the Christmas season.

“I enjoy all the lights, the Christmas songs and the happy spirits all around. Once it’s over, I start looking forward to it again the next year.

“Christmas is very special. Back in the days before Arviat became a community, people who lived out on the land would go to Eskimo Point (now Arviat) to celebrate Christmas. So, really, it’s always been celebrated here, even before the community was actually formed.

“Basically, when you’re saying Anivvia (His birth), even without mentioning His name, everyone in Arviat knows it’s the birth of Jesus. So, Merry Christmas to everyone!”