Inngiusituqait [ee-ngee-oo-see-too-hrait] means “traditional songs” in the Inuit language, Inuktitut, and the Inngiusituqait project was created to ensure that these songs – preserved for centuries through oral traditions – were recorded by their original speakers before becoming lost in time.
The songs were performed in Kinngait, Nunavut (Canada) by local unilingual Elders Masuriaq Qavianaqtuliaq, Novalinga Kinguatsiak, and Ujjualuk Etidloie. The project was conceptualized and hosted by Annie Petaulassie. All four Elders were born on the land and remember what life was like before the arrival of Qallunaat (“white people”).
A former teacher, who attended Federal Day School when outpost camps were forced to move to Cape Dorset, Annie envisioned the project as educational material, easily accessible for anyone wanting to understand traditional Inuit life or learn Inuktitut. In order to reach and engage Inuit youth, the songs and videos will be promoted heavily on social media and by Inuit digital influencers.
The project was produced by Iqaluit-based record label, Hitmakerz. The videos were filmed on location by French film director, Aïda Maigre-Touchet. Financial support for the project was provided by the Government of Nunavut.
The songs were translated by Kinngait locals with assistance from Elders. Some of the lyrics could not be directly translated since comparative words do not exist in other languages.
Watch the videos* on YouTube & Facebook
Download the songs on Disco
Stream the songs on all streaming platforms
Download the lyrics at www.inuitsongs.com
Buy the CD on the Hitmakerz Online Shop
Follow Inngiusituqait on Instagram & TikTok
Releases
