Tapiriit annual event to feature Inuit perfomers and country food

This story was updated on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5:40 p.m. ET.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is hosting the annual Tapiriit event in the Canada Room at the National Arts Centre on Monday.

Called A Taste of the Arctic until four years ago, the reception-style event is in its 16^th year and will feature food from Inuit Nunangat, Inuk performers and VIP guests.

This year chef Ethan Angnatok, from Nunatsiavut, is working with National Arts Centre resident chef Kenton Leier to fuse country foods and modern cuisine for the small-plate menu. Among other ingredients the pair will be utilizing is scallops from Pangirtung, caribou from the Kivalliq, reindeer and muskox from Inuvik, and shrimp from Nunavik.

Katharine Irngaut is ITK’s communications manager and an organizer for Tapiriit. She said the organization expects more than 600 people to attend this year’s event, including Inuit leaders, federal MPs and ministers, and people from the North.

“It is primarily a networking event, but there’s also an opportunity to connect with leaders from across Inuit Nunangat,” Irngaut said in an interview. “This kind of unique celebration is a really lovely way to introduce people to country food, as well as celebrate unique country food items for those who grew up with it.”

Jessie Fraser, originally from Sanikiluaq, will host the event, introduce speakers and welcome Inuit artists to the stage. Scheduled performers include Eva Deer, as well as the Aklavik Delta Drummers and Dancers. Eva’s daughter, celebrated Nunavik songstress Beatrice Deer, will join her on stage for what Irngaut calls a one-of-a-kind performance.

“It’s a family connection,” she said. “It’s bringing Inuit connection, and it’s bringing awesome beats at the same time. It’s a networking event, but it should also be an event where we celebrate, and this is a way that we can celebrate.”

As in previous years, Tapiriit will have a photobooth setup, with sealskin items for attendees to wear in their photos. DJ Esso will be on hand to provide music between the on-stage performances.

Irngaut says that ITK President Natan Obed will be at Tapiriit to address the crowd and to welcome guests.

Tapiriit is from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday, and tickets are available on the ITK website.

Correction: This story was updated to correct at which institution Kenton Leier is a resident chef.