Enter the 2026 Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest
Press Release
June 1, 2026
Do you love writing and performing songs in Inuktut? The 2026 Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest is now open for submissions. This year’s theme is Avatiliriniq, which speaks of respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.
The Department of Culture and Heritage is inviting Nunavut artists to share their voices, stories and creativity through original music.
Qilaut continues to celebrate and elevate Inuktut music across Nunavut. Over the years, the contest has provided artists with a platform to create, record and share their songs in Inuktut. To date, more than 90 songs and over 11 albums have been recorded and released, showcasing Nunavut’s vibrant Inuktut music scene and supporting the revitalization and preservation of Inuit culture and language.
This year, the prizes have increased:
- First Prize: $8,000
- Second Prize: $3,000
- Third Prize: $2,000
- 4-10 Runners-Up: $1,000 each
Winning submissions will be professionally recorded in Iqaluit for a compilation album to be released in 2026. Winners will also have the opportunity to perform live in Nunavut.
To view official contest rules, requirements for submissions, and to learn about this year’s theme, visit the 2026 Qilaut page on the Government of Nunavut website. Please send submissions to qilaut@gmail.com.
The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Contact
Weichien Chan
Manager, Communications
Department of Culture and Heritage
867-975-5508
CHComms@gov.nu.ca
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