Message of Inuit unity closes Aqpik Jam’s 30th anniversary celebration

The final night of Aqpik Jam Music Festival brought Kuujjuaq together for an evening filled with music, energy and plenty of reasons to get out of their seats.

Nunavik Rocks, a music education program for children and youth, opened the evening’s performances at the Katittavik town hall with a set of familiar rock favourites, performing Coldplay’s Yellow and Radiohead’s Creep.

They closed with Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, earning cheers and applause from the crowd as they finished their performance.

Kathy Aputiarjuk, a former Nunavik Rocks student who has since launched her solo career as a musician, kept the energy going.

She performed original songs from her self-titled debut extended play, including Kangiqsualujjuaq, which pays homage to her hometown, and L’amour, written by her father.

The crowd wasn’t ready for Aputiarjuk’s set to end, calling out for an encore while she was still on stage.

Derek Tagoona followed, with the Inukjuak-based band Qimutjuit also taking the stage throughout the evening.

Before Mariina, the musical group from Greenland, performed its set, the audience was invited to stand for the Greenlandic national anthem.

In a brief address, Makivvik president Pita Aatami expressed Nunavik Inuit’s support for Greenland Inuit in their right to sovereignty and self-government.

“We are one people across Russia to Greenland,” Aatami said.

“We will always be here. We’ve taken care of this land and we’ve survived it.”

Aqpik Jam ended its 30th anniversary celebration with performances by That 70s Rock Show, and Lucy Johannes.