Alianait Pride celebrants give shout-out to queer ancestors

The mostly Inuit crowd celebrating Pride at Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit Lounge on Saturday night were not alone in their revelry. Their ancestors were part of the party, at least in spirit.

“Let’s send some love out to our queer ancestors,” master of ceremonies Laakkuluk Williamson, the Iqaluit-based Kalaaleq, or Greenlandic Inuk, performance artist, called out.

She also made proud shout-outs to lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender people in the crowd. 

The crowd cheered back, decked out in all colourful apparel — from casual to formal. The attire ranged from red dresses and traditional tunics to multi-coloured feather boas and tinted sunglasses.

The party started around 10:30 p.m. and continued until closing time at about 1:45 a.m.

Sámi singer Hildá Länsman and sound designer Thomas Norris, who uses a computer to make electronic music, further animated the audience with danceable beats.

Länsman moved all her limbs with dynamic rhythm as she sang in her Northern Sámi language, often holding a note and a pose for dramatic effect.

Norris looped her vocals, creating a cascade of sound.

In between songs, Länsman spoke of a movement of Sámi women taking back cultural symbols, such as the ládjogahpir, a crown-like traditional horned hat worn by women until colonizers banned it 150 years ago.

“Our women are taking it back,” she said, standing with a defiant posture.

She also encouraged the audience to remember the importance of saying “no,” when necessary, for example when Indigenous peoples and their lands are threatened.

“We are Indigenous, and land and people are important to us,” she said. “Let’s learn how to say ‘no.’”

The lights flashed white and blue as Norris changed up the tempo, causing the audience to sway, bounce, or just vibrate depending on the pulse of the music’s increasing volume.

Greenlandic electronic music producer Andachan, who goes by one name, finished the night with a kinetic performance behind his soundboard. He danced and jumped in place behind his soundboard until closing time.

The Alianait Arts Festival continues on Sunday, including the finale concert on the mainstage under the big-top tent downtown beginning at 7 p.m.