After a devastating year for Enterprise, N.W.T., a successful Gateway Jamboree

When Gateway Jamboree organizer Evellyn Coleman started planning this year's event in Enterprise, N.W.T., she still wasn't sure if it was going to happen.

Just under a year ago, residents were forced to evacuate Enterprise when a devastating wildfire tore through the community. The fire destroyed about 90 per cent of the structures in the community in less than 48 hours, and most residents have still not returned to the hamlet.

But in the end, Coleman said, the hamlet council decided to go forward with the annual music festival — hoping it would be a good opportunity for residents to have fun and connect with family and friends.

Coleman is glad they did.

The two-day festival started on Friday, and ended late Saturday. Around 1,000 people from all over the territory attended, Coleman said, a similar turnout to previous years. Many of the same music acts who performed in past years were also there.

"It's been a long five years for a lot of people, between COVID, floods, fires," she said.

"I think people are just appreciative when they can come together and just visit, listen to some good music, have a good meal, laugh together, cry together."

Coleman said that on Saturday evening a few Enterprise residents left the event early, when smoky conditions triggered memories of last summer. Overall though, she said it was a lighthearted, relaxed event.

"The grounds were full, music was playing, kids were having fun in the kids tent," she said. "It was wonderful."