2022 Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest winners

Press Release

25 January 2023

The Department of Culture and Heritage is pleased to announce the winners of Qilaut 2022. The Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest celebrates Nunavut’s vibrant Inuktut music scene and promotes the use of Inuktut in all areas of daily life.

The department received more than 30 submissions and the songs were judged by a peer-panel based on originality, creativity, melody and lyrics. The judges included Leena Evic, David Kuksuk, and Jo Ellen Pameolik.

The winning songs are:

1st    – Jocelyn Ukutak Malla  Kajjaarijara

2nd     – Rosalie Pissuk  Siqiniq Qaumalirivuq

3rd    – Rosalie Pissuk  Tariurmi Sukkaitumik Kaggaaraqtuq

4th    – Shawna Seeteenak  Malinnga

5th    – Abraham Eetak  Takugakkit

6th    – Eva Okatsiak  Anaanaga tuksiaqpuq

7th    – Jocelyn Arreak  Kajjaarijakka

8th    – Abraham Eetak  Quvianaqtuq

9th    – Joanasie Aglak  Inuusivut Aksurungnaqtuq

10th – Eli Qaqqasiq-Taqtu  Upinngaarainnuk

The top three winners will receive $5,000, $2,500, and $1,500 respectively, and the seven runners-up receive $500 each. All 10 songs will be professionally recorded, and a CD will be released featuring the winning songs.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Qilaut 2022. The judges were very impressed by everyone’s talent and creativity. Look out for Qilaut 2023 in the fall!

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Media Contact:

Seané d’Argencourt-Printup
Manager Communications
Department of Culture and Heritage
867-975-5508
sdargencourt-printup@gov.nu.ca

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