Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq 2017: promoting Inuktut through Unikkaaqtuat
News Release
Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq 2017: promoting Inuktut through Unikkaaqtuat
IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 1, 2017) – February is Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq - Inuktut Language Month, a time for Nunavummiut to celebrate Inuit language and culture across our territory. This year’s theme is Unikkaaqtuat, which means Inuit legends. Traditional and contemporary Inuit legends are an important form of art and cultural expression, conveying our connections and perceptions of the world.
"This year’s theme, Unikkaaqtuat, reflects the importance of cultural expression and art in Nunavut," said Minister of Languages George Kuksuk. "Traditional and modern day Inuit legends offer insight into Inuit spirituality and relationships, while keeping the tradition of storytelling alive. I invite all Nunavummiut to take time to celebrate and learn more about these legends and their related terminology throughout the month of February."
As part of this year’s celebration, the Department of Culture and Heritage will release recordings of the 2016 winners of Qilaut, Nunavut’s annual Inuktut music contest. The winning songs will be available online and on CD. Boxes of Inuktut resources with books, flash cards and posters to promote Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq will also be delivered to every school, daycare and library in the territory.
The Government of Nunavut encourages all Nunavummiut to participate in this year’s celebration by speaking, teaching, and learning Inuktut, and by organizing cultural activities at home and in our communities, workplaces and schools.
For more information about this year’s theme and resources for language and family literacy activities, please visit www.ch.gov.nu.ca.
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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Allakariallak Roberts
Communications Officer
Department of Culture and Heritage
867-975-5543
@email