Rick (Ross) Aningaat of Baker Lake is becoming a well-known traditional performer in his community.
Aningaat, 19, said he recently returned from a throat singing summit (Qaggiavuut) in Iqaluit earlier this month.
He said he's become heavily involved with traditional Inuit music during his lifetime.
SA国际影视传媒�It all started about 10 years ago, during one of our cultural classes when I was still in elementary school,SA国际影视传媒� said Aningaat. SA国际影视传媒淭here were these two very young, very nice ladies who taught us to throat sing.
SA国际影视传媒�Then, back in 2019, I met a cousin and friend of mine (Jeannie Kalluk) who is now my best friend and throat-singing partner.
SA国际影视传媒�We actually performed on stage for the first time when I was in Grade 6 for the Christmas talent show. Since then, we've performed a lot together here in Baker Lake.SA国际影视传媒�
Aningaat is currently collecting names of elders who are interested in teaching Qiaqvaaq throat singing to youth and who are interested in travelling to Arviat for a workshop.
He will also be collecting names of youth who are interested in learning.
Aningaat said he realized young that there's not a lot of people who actually do throat singing.
He said he loves the rhythm, the lyrics and the background of throat singing.
SA国际影视传媒�I have a piece of paper in my binder about a throat song that was created by my grandmother, who has now passed on. I was given it over in Iqaluit. I believe it was done in the 1970s or the 1980s.
SA国际影视传媒�So, I've been practicing the lyrics with my cousin whenever I get the chance. We'd learned every other style of throat singing, but we only knew a little bit about Qiaqvaaq throat singing. I was shown Qiaqvaaq back when I was in elementary, as well, and it did carry-on into junior high.
SA国际影视传媒�But, since then, I never really heard any more of the Qiaqvaaq style of throat singing. In Iqaluit, it was so good to see people were trying to keep this culture alive.SA国际影视传媒�
Aningaat said he gives a lot of credit to Qaggiavuut for what he experienced in Iqaluit.
He said he's really looking forward to participating in the Arviat workshop.
SA国际影视传媒�I don't know where all this will take me. I just hope that this will all be passed down to the next generation for them to keep it alive. That's really my main interest SA国际影视传媒� doing my part to help keep it alive.
SA国际影视传媒�I just love throat singing. It's all I ever talk about. My first three or four years of performing I'd get a little nervous just before going on stage, but now I'm used to performing everywhere, even with new people who I just met.
SA国际影视传媒�I'm always comfortable now and that makes a big difference. I've been told keeping our tradition alive is important. And, in order to do that, you need to have some knowledge and good advice.
SA国际影视传媒�We actually did a collaborative meeting while I was in Iqaluit, and we spoke about the different types of throat singing in the different regions of Nunavut and Nunavik and who they were originated by. It was a great learning experience and Qaggiavuut will be paying the travel expenses for the trip to Arviat. It will be fun to see what the future holds.SA国际影视传媒�
