Feature stories

February 20: Discover the Inuit – the People Behind the Inukshuk

Inuit throat singing; a traditional style of singing that originated literally on the footsteps of mothers carrying their newborns in an apparatus similar to the modern day baby carrier. The weight from their child in the carrier would push the mother's diaphragm down and allow her to sing from her throat. Throat singing is performed primarily by women and became a form of competitive entertainment regarded more as a type of vocal or breathing game in Inuit culture rather than a form of music. Standing face-to-face and holding each others arms, the women would take turns adding in a rhythmic pattern – the first person to run out of breath or laugh loses.

Today's daytime programming is presented by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and will feature performers from northern Labrador, northern Quebec, Canada's newest territory, Nunuvut, and the Inuvialuit settlement of the Northwest Territories. There will be a range of talents showcased such as throat singing, drum dancing, traditional Inuit games of agility and strength as well as the Inuvialuit Dummers and Dancers who's goal is to teach their younger generation of drummers and dancers to preserve this tradition that may otherwise be lost.

The Inuit not only have a beautifully distinct culture that can be seen through their dances, song and traditions – but they also have a very special connection to the 2010 Olympic Games – they are the people behind the inukshuk. "We are overjoyed to share our traditions and our cultural icon with a global audience. It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the world to the people behind the inukshuk" says Pita Aatami, acting president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, "Inuit bring a rich culture and a hearty love of sports to this international celebration".

Each night at 9:00pm, the Lounge is open to come relax, enjoy a taste of Aboriginal culinary delight while sipping on some wine or a glass of something else of your choice.  The big screen televisions will be on our Olympic channel – so while you are at the Lounge, you can take in some of the Games coverage. 

The Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase

Come see authentic handcrafted Aboriginal arts and crafts made by artisans from across the country. Inuvialuit artist Ryan Taylor is a soapstone carver who primarily carves hunting scenes and the animals that he encounters on the land he says, "Carving is a good way to share your ideas. . . I take a lot of pride in my carvings – what I carve will be alive 'forever'". Ryan will be at the Village until the 22nd of February showing and selling his pieces.

There are also a number of successful Aboriginal businesses in attendance displaying their companies in a tradeshow setting. Today, Great River Journey will be on-site telling people about their unique and exclusive wilderness safari down the historic Yukon River in Northern Canada. Their eco-tour takes visitors down 700 kilometres through the raw Yukon wilderness and can be combined with an Alaskan Cruise upon request. They will be at the Business Showcase until Monday, February 22nd.

While meandering your way through the exhibits your feet will be tapping as the Red Engine Dreams, Murray Porter and the Kugluktuk Drummers will be performing on the main stage at 11am, 3pm and 6pm respectively.