Renowned Inuk Artist Releases Inuktitut Children’s Album and Colouring Book

Nunavut’s Looee releases her latest album, I-Pi-Ti-Ki, consisting of eight Inuktitut-language children’s songs

Album artwork for Looee’s debut children’s album, I-Pi-Ti-Ki, which was released on July 29, 2022.

Juno-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-disciplinary artist, Looee, released her debut children’s album, I-Pi-Ti-Ki, on July 29, 2022. This is Looee’s first children’s album and fifth album overall. 

I-Pi-Ti-Ki consists of eight fully Inuktitut-language children’s songs. The album’s title (which is also a track on the album) is the name of the Inuktitut alphabet song – “i,” “pi,” “ti,” and “ki” being the first four letters in the alphabet.  

Accompanying the album is a unique colouring book available for download online. I-Pi-Ti-Ki is meant to be an interactive musical and artistic experience that encourages children’s creativity.

A page from the colouring book accompanying Looee’s debut children’s album, I-Pi-Ti-Ki.

“The reason why I wanted to do a children’s album is to entertain the younger audience,” said Looee. “I have a lot of children who love my music. I wanted them to take my music home, sing along, and colour for language preservation and imagination.”

A number of songs on the album are originals by Looee. This includes “Takuqqaujakka,” which was featured in season two of Anaana’s Tent, a Canadian children’s TV show.

Also on the album is a song written by Meeka Arnakaq called “Tarralikitaakuluk.” Arnakaq, who is a well-known Inuk Elder and educator, was unable to record the song herself so specifically reached out to Looee to record it on her behalf.

All songs on I-Pi-Ti-Ki were recorded at Nuvu Music and Sound in Iqaluit. Chris Coleman produced the album.

This is Looee’s latest album since the release of I Will Rise Again in 2018. Her other albums include Inuktitut Christmas (2016), Qulliit (2016), and Don't Give Up (1995). 

“The children’s album had to be more creative with sounds that are interesting and that involve physical movement,” said Looee. “It was different than my previous albums for sure – it had to be extra fun.”

Originally from Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Looee currently lives in Iqaluit. She is well-known for her music, writing, seamstressing, and leadership in the Nunavut arts scene. She is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Inuit culture and language.

Looee’s songs have had a generational impact on Nunavummiut, and her long-lasting career has led to many accolades. In 2016, she was a winner at the Qilaut songwriting contest. Most recently, she was nominated for a 2022 Juno (Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble)) for her collaboration with Against the Grain Theatre and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on Messiah/Complex. 

Outside of music, Looee also won the 2021 Inuktuuqta! Inuktitut Writing Prize, making her an artist-in-residence with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. She is scheduled to release her novels in the upcoming year. 

In December 2021, she was appointed executive director of Qaggiavuut!, a Nunavut performing arts organization that focuses on arts education and creating space for Nunavut artists.

I-Pi-Ti-Ki is available now. Listen to the album and download the colouring book here. To stay up-to-date with Looee, follow her on Facebook.