Blanket Toss

Inuvik Region, Northwest Territories – The Blanket Toss is a game often played at festivals and other Inuit celebrations, but it has its roots in a hunting ritual. Strong people would surround and hold a tarp make of walrus or seal hide and toss someone with good eyesight up so they could spot game.

Because of the lack of trees above the arctic circle gaining altitude offers excellent opportunity for spotting game cross flat terrain. Sometimes they reach heights as much as 10 metres.

Governor General Michaelle Jean made it 4 metres into the air when she gave it a try during a 2008 visit. They say you never bend your knees or
you could get your legs broken.

Eight Inuit Games athletes (and two coaches) demonstrated unique traditional Inuit games including the Blanket Toss to showcase the Northwest Territories (NWT) at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.