Edward Lennie, 'Father of the Northern Games,' to enter Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

The late Edward Lennie was known as a leader, a mentor, and a passionate advocate of Arctic sports and now — he's being recognized for his contribution to sports at a national level. 

Lennie, of Inuvik, N.W.T., will be inducted into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame this fall.

His son, Hans Lennie, said to be recognized with the Order of Sport is an honour.

"My father's dream has finally come true," he said. 

Arctic sports are being recognized internationally, but Edward Lennie — who became known as the Father of the Northern Games — hosted the earliest versions of the games at his house. They were a revitalization of the Inuvialuit games, and they became a gathering place for young people in the Beaufort Delta who wanted to learn. 

"It all started from their kitchen room floor. Wow," he said.

It began with Mickey Gordon kicking the light bulb from the kitchen floor. 

"It's all about strength, agility and endurance," he said.

If someone lost the games, it was time for pushups, said Lennie.

Lennie said the Northern Games, which were introduced to the very first Arctic Winter Games held in Yellowknife in 1970, were key to keeping the traditional games alive and giving people strong role models. 

Lennie said his dad was passionate about the Arctic Winter Games, despite the inclusion of sports like hockey and volleyball. 

"My dad thought … what's the Arctic about, you know? That's when he figured he needed to get involved and [former N.W.T. Premier and childhood friend] Nellie Cournyea was a big help doing that," he said.

Lennie said his dad worked with people like Roy Ipana, past chair of the Northern Games.

They had high aspirations to raise the profile of the events. 

"He said in one of the meetings, we'll take it right to