25 Minutes
Nunavut is not only our home, but home to some of the best creative people you could ever meet. We thought it important to sit down and touch base not only on those who really make Nunavut shine, but also on some key contacts for anyone looking to work in or with Nunavummiut. Full disclaimer: Nunavut is the most active cultural community in the country and we’re going to miss people. It’ll likely also be a little “Baffin-Centric” because that is where our base is, but we hope you can find out something new about Nunavut, our cultural community and how you can involve them in what you’re doing.
Music
The Jerry Cans: They have combine the sensibilities of punk, Celtic and traditional Inuit song into two separate albums and an amazing live show. The Jerry Cans represent the crossroad between where Nunavut comes from and where it is going. Lyrics both in English and Inuktitut, The Jerry Cans represent the territory and wear it proudly. Pinnguaq is working with these guys for an update to Singuistics, coming in the next few months, but don’t let that be your introduction to them. Check them out now and be ready to sing along (and learn Inuktitut) when the new Singuistics update hits.
Tanya Tagaq: Culture evolves and Tanya Tagaq represents Inuit evolution better than anyone I’ve ever seen. As I write this, she was just long listed for the Polaris music prize and believe me, this is just the starting as Tanya breaks out into the mainstream. Tagaq takes the traditional form of throat singing and modernizes it, and adds a level of raw emotion that is impossible not to be effected by. Watch her live, listen to her new album Animism. Tanya represents the next evolution of Inuit Culture and we want to be a part of it.
Tech
Tagak.net : Andrew Tagak is an Iqaluit based developer who has been creating software for use in Inuktitut for years. His “Inuktitut Notepad” is a regular with Pinnguaq, ensuring we bring the proper syllabics into the work we do. He’s done add-ons for Mozilla, as well as creating a ton of stand alone software and games that celebrate Inuktitut and technology.
Arts
Matchbox Gallery: Decades ago a man named Jim Shirley came from New York City to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. His impact has been long lasting and incredible. The artists of the Matchbox Gallery pioneered Nunavut’s ceramic industry, one of the most visually stunning and fantastic art forms the territory produces. My house is filled with Matchbox work and it is a constant inspiration and creative push as Pinnguaq seeks to create truly unique representation.
Blogs
Finding Truth North: Run by two Iqallummiut with lots of help from guest bloggers, this is the ultimate guide for people who do not live in Nunavut. It breaks things down in easy to understand, often funny ways and provides a unique insight into living in Nunavut. You could not get a much better picture of life in Iqaluit than this blog. It’s a great resource for those that live here, as well as those planning to visit.
Film
Isuma.tv is the best place to start. It’s like a centralized version of Youtube focused entirely on Indigenous content. Isuma are the genuises behind multiple award winning films and this portal provides an amazing and instant access to video of life across Canada with a special focus on Nunavut.
Nunavut Film: Once you’re ready to work on your digital media projects here, talk to Nunavut Film. Nunavut Film is the advocate and funding body for digital media and film projects in the territory. They’re regular supporters of Nunavut and can connect you to the wide talent base that stretches across this territory.
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