Surpassing all expectations, the first ever Qaggiq Arctic Performing Arts Teacher Training was a huge success with eight performing artists from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut returning to their communities to build children and youth programming. The workshop was held July 14-19 in Apex and included two free children’s performing arts festivals delivered by the participants. Qaggiq’s collaborative, participatory learning model is based on artists teaching artists what they know well, while expanding and challenging themselves to build new skills. Underpinning the workshop were intensive master classes in the North Baffin and Western Arctic drum dance styles and traditional pisiit (songs). All participants learned techniques and built plans to develop children and youth arts programming. Followup mentorship and support will be provided.
Facilitators included Pakak Innuksuk from Igloolik, one of the foremost knowledge-keepers of North Baffin qilaut (drum dance) and Sheena Akoomalik from Pond Inlet, the director of Tununuq Theatre. Pakak taught drum dancing and drum making during the workshop, and Sheena facilitated the creation of a collaborative performance with her immense knowledge of Inuit storytelling and traditional songs for children.
“The performing arts are the best way for kids to our language,” said Vinnie Karetak, Qaggiavuut Chairperson. “We want our own artists in communities to be the teachers of the performing arts so that children are immersed in their culture.”
The participants and facilitators of the Qaggiq Performing Arts Teacher Training thank the following generous people and organizations for sponsoring this important opportunity:
- Arctic Inspiration Prize
- Canada Council for the Arts, Aboriginal Programs
- Martha Burns and ACTRA
- Anna Hudson and Mobilizing Inuit Culture Heritage (MICH)
- Boris Atamanen and the NWT Arts Council
- Loughlin McdDonald
- Joanna Awa and the Qikiqtani Corporation
