GN launches Inuktut songwriting contest

The Inuksuk Drum Dancers perform a traditional song at an Iqaluit event — a new GN contest seeks more original Inuit language songs. (FILE PHOTO)

If you have a song in an Inuit language which you’d like to share, here’s your chance.

The Government of Nunavut launched Qilaut, Nunavut’s new annual Inuktut songwriting contest, on World Indigenous Day, Aug. 9.

Qilaut was created to celebrate Nunavut’s vibrant Inuktut music scene and promote the use of Inuktut in all areas of daily life.

The name Qilaut, which means “drum,” was chosen to honour traditional and contemporary Inuktut music, an Aug. 7 release on the new contest said.

“By singing in Inuktut, Nunavummiut are contributing to the vibrancy and strength of the Inuit culture,” the release said.

All residents of Nunavut may submit their original Inuktut songs. Winners will receive cash awards and their winning submissions will be recorded professionally.

A compilation album will be distributed in February 2016, during Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, Nunavut’s annual celebration of Inuktut and Inuit culture.

For the official contest rules and more information about Qilaut 2015, go here.