Iqaluit band wants bar proponents to change their name

MICHAELA RODRIGUE
Nunatsiaq News

IQALUIT — A popular Iqaluit-based band is fighting to keep a proposed bar from using the name “Uvagut.”

The Iqaluit-based band Uvagut is preparing to petition the owners of the proposed Uvagut bar to change the bar’s name, says band member Jose Arreak.

“It’s trying to get a message to this group that ‘we’re right and you’re wrong.’ This is a way to demonstrate the support is for us,” Arreak said.

Uvagut recently wrote a letter to the bar’s partners asking them to change the name. Arreak later met with bar partner Ross Bennett.

But Arreak said the meeting was fruitless and that Bennett refused to change the name. The band members will now take further steps to make sure they have sole access to the name.

The band is preparing to circulate a petition demanding a change to the bar’s name.

The petition states that Uvagut is the band’s legally incorporated name and that no other group should use it.

The bar’s choice of name has caused confusion amongst the public, and Arreak said the bar owners should have first consulted with band members.

He said some Iqaluit residents believe the band is behind the bar proposal.

The band say they stand for self-determination and sobriety and that they do not want to be associated with the bar.

The word uvagut — Inuktitut for “us” — can be used by anyone, said Bennett. He said his partners will not change the name.

But one of Bennett’s partners Elisapee Sheutiapik, said she’s willing to talk to the band, and says she may consider changing the name.

“If the band is very uncomfortable, I’m open for discussion. I’m surprised that no one has come to me,” Sheutiapik said.

Sheutiapik, Bennett and Carmen Kootoo have applied to open a new 130-seat bar along Iqaluit’s West 40.

The proposed bar has sparked an outcry from some residents who say another bar will only increase Iqaluit’s alcohol problems.

The bar owners want to open the bar on Sundays for use by religious and community groups.