Aqpik Jam kicks off 30th anniversary with music, culture and community

Kuujjuaq came alive Tuesday evening with music, cheers and laughter as hundreds filled Katittavik Townhall to kick off Aqpik Jam’s 30th year.

Led by instructors Janice Parsons Gordon and Sandy Emudluk, the Kuujjuaq Youth Group opened the festival with throat singing and drumming.

Applause rose from the arena floor to the upper level bleachers as the 11 boys and girls showed off their skills. Clusters of golden cloudberries decorated the stage, a nod to the northern berry harvest that gives the festival its name.

The next act was Johnny Saunders, under the artist name Yaa, and his band. They performed songs in Inuktitut from his latest self-titled EP, including Lily-Anna, which is dedicated to his granddaughter. Saunders also covered Maybe It’s Time, from the 2018 film A Star Is Born, in English.

The mood shifted with The Kuujjuaq Band’s lively set. Lucy Johannes and her accordion got people to their feet in front of the stage.

The night continued with David Hart, an Innu singer-songwriter from Sheshatshiu, Labrador, who performed songs in Innu-aimun. He invited George Kakayuk and Mark Kadjulik of Sugluk Band, the 1970s rock band from Salluit. Children and elders rushed to the front of the stage to sing and dance.

“Where I’m from, we’re starting to lose our language. Here, keep your language strong, keep singing and be proud of your culture,” Hart told the audience.

Backstage after his performance, Hart reflected on what it meant to return to the festival, which he has been involved with on and off for about 14 years.

“I’m honoured to be here and it’s all about respect. I’m Innu but I have a lot of respect for Inuit,” he said.

Beatrice Deer and her band brought the night to a close with songs from her album, Inuit Legend, released April 6.

She recounted the Inuit legends behind the songs.

The Bear tells the story of an old woman who killed a polar bear with her cane during a famine, while Aukkauti is a musical interpretation of the 1899 tragedy near Ivujivik.

Deer said Falcon and the Woman was her victory song.

“I’m gonna shine like the stars and nothing can turn my light off,” she said. “You can’t break who I am. I’m victorious.”

After her last song, Deer thanked the crowd and left the stage to raucous applause.

Aqpik Jam continues through Friday, with each evening’s lineup announced daily.