Inuvik to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion

Inuvik is planning celebratory events to mark the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary.

The milestone, which falls on July 17, will be recognized locally with a two-day program designed to bring together members of the Legion and the wider community. The centennial celebration will include both ceremonial and community-focused activities.

Daniel Mitchell, a veteran in charge of helping organize the events, said the intent is not only to mark a historic date for the Legion nationally, but also to highlight its local presence and long-standing role in supporting veterans and community life in the North.

“We’re probably one of the biggest memberships within the country for the Royal Canadian Legion because, of course, we don’t have many establishments up here where people can go sit down, have a drink and socialize. I believe off top of my head we have about 700 members,” he told Cabin Radio.

The celebrations are scheduled for July 17 and 18 in Inuvik, with programming split between formal commemorations and community events.

Mitchell said the structure of the two-day event is designed to ensure there is both a respectful recognition of the Legion’s history and an open invitation for residents to take part.

One the first day, Mitchell said a commemorative installation will be unveiled featuring maple leaf templates created by the local Legion branch, alongside a plaque marking the centennial. The ceremony will include speeches from local leaders, including the mayor of Inuvik, representatives of the Legion, and invited territorial officials.

On July 18, celebrations will shift to Chief Jim Koe Park for a more informal gathering.

Mitchell said a public barbecue will be held for residents along with family activities supported by the town. An Arctic market is planned as part of the day’s programming.

Alongside the centennial celebrations, the Legion is offering free new memberships throughout 2026.

Mitchell, who has lived in Inuvik for about five years, is a retired member of the British military. He said many members have family connections to military service even if they are not veterans themselves, and the branch places emphasis on bringing together different generations, including youth and Elders.

“If the Legion wasn’t here, there would be a lot of people with no support … not just veterans, community as well. So, having the Legion here and the Legion in 100 years is a big milestone,” he said.

“My biggest thing is … for people to basically have a great time and for it to be, you know, people say, ‘Thank you very much.’ That’s all I ask for.”