Alianait gets longer, bigger

0Iqaluit's third and most ambitious version of the Alianait Arts Festival kicked off June 21 with a National Aboriginal Day concert featuring Igloolik's ArtCirq circus group, Saami performers Berit Oskal and Anne-Marie Andersen, and Feat, a rap group from Greenland.

From now until July 1, Iqaluit residents will get a chance to enjoy a long list of arts-related events, which include circumpolar performers from Alaska, Greenland and Norway, to be held at 14 separate venues,.

This year, the Alianait festival, whose organizers enlisted strong support from Heritage Canada, the Government of Nunavut and a long list of corporate sponsors, will span three celebratory dates: National Aboriginal Day on June 21, St. Jean Baptiste Day on June 23, and Canada Day on July 1.

This evening, Iqaluit residents can look forward to a storytelling evening at the Francophone centre, in which Inuit, francophone, Saami and English storytellers will share traditional stories. Admission is by donation.

Tomorrow evening, also at the francophone centre, the Québecois group La Rachoudine will play traditional Québecois music. Tickets are $5.

On Sunday evening, the Ajjiit Nunavut Film Association will host a screening of Nunavut-produced films, new film Ullumi, by Evie Mark, Tunu Napartuk, Lena Ellsworth and Qajaaq Ellsworth. It's at the Astro Theater at 7:00 p.m. Admission is by donation.

On Saturday, June 20, a "Polar Rythyms" concert at Aqsarniit School will feature the well-known Pamyua group of Alaska, and other performers from out of town.

In addition to live performance events, Alianait will also feature a variety of art exhibitions, sales and workshops in connection with the eighth annual Nunavut Arts Festival.

Organized by the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, it will feature daily art exhibitions and sales at the Arctic College's Nunatta Residence on Federal Road.

As well, the 2007 Pangnirtung print show will open at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum on June 23.

For other scheduled events between now and July 1, visit www.alianait.ca.