Planning a holiday?

It’s official: in July, Nunavik will be headlining this year’s Saami festival of indigenous and circumpolar music and culture in Manndalen, north of Tromsø, Norway.

According to the festival’s website at www.riddu.com, “in response to a special invitation from the Saami of Norway, a delegation of Inuit artists and cultural representatives from Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) will participate at the Riddu Riddu Festivála from July 14 – 17, 2004. The 13th annual Riddu Riddu Festivála will take place at the Ája – Sámi Centre in the Saami village of Manndalen (Olmmáivaggi) in the Gáivuotna/Kåfjord municipality in northern Norway.”

Highlights from the Nunavik program include daily musical performances by throatsingers, contemporary music with Taima on July 15 and 16, a performance by Edward Snowball’s Sinuupa, as well as a fine arts workshop with carving, printmaking and doll-making.

July 17 is The Day of Nunavik Inuit, packed with activities jointly presented by the Avataq Cultural Institute and Makivik Corporation. This day will showcase Nunavik culture through demonstrations, performances, a fashion show and a feast.