For Immediate Release
(February 6, 2026 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Qilaut Songwriting Contest, the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) are working with the Alianait Arts Festival to co-present the 2026 Qilaut Concert Series.
Since its launch in 2015, Qilaut has showcased the creativity and talent of Inuktut songwriters and musicians. To mark this milestone year, the 2025 contest winners will tour across Nunavut to share the winning songs. In conjunction with the concert series, Alianait will host Inuktut writing workshops in each community. More information will be available on local radio and social media.
The concerts are scheduled for the following communities on:
• Friday, February 6 in Mittimatalik (7 p.m. at the community hall).
• Wednesday, February 11 in Arviat (7 p.m. at the community hall).
• Saturday, February 14 in Iqaluktuuttiaq (7 p.m. at the community hall).
The artists who will be performing at the concerts are Tooma Laisa, Kristy Kanayuk, Leetia Kalluk and Jocelyn Malla. The GN and NTI continue to work together to strengthen and promote the use of Inuktut in our territory.
“Qilaut inspires artists and communities to come together and celebrate Inuktut,” said Minister of Languages Brian Koonoo. “The music shared through this contest reflects the importance of protecting, promoting and revitalizing our language for future generations.”
“Inuktut for All Time is a core priority of NTI’s Inungnik Makipalliatittiniq strategy. Our language carries our worldview, our laws, and our identity as Inuit,” said NTI President Paul Irngaut. “We are proud to support initiatives like Qilaut because they strengthen Inuktut in meaningful ways, through creativity, community and the voices of Inuit themselves.”
Over the past 10 years, Qilaut has supported the creation and sharing of original Inuktut music. The contest has provided emerging and established artists with opportunities to perform, record and distribute their work. As of 2026, over 100 songs have been produced through Qilaut, resulting in 11 albums that capture a decade of stories, traditions and pride.
To learn more about Qilaut, visit the Government of Nunavut website.
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Media Contacts:
Ivaluarjuk Merritt
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc
Weichien Chan
Manager, Communications
Department of Culture and Heritage
867-975-5508
