Drum Dancing Workshops Held Across Nunavut

Qaggiavuut recently hosted qilaut workshops in the Qikiqtani, Kivalliq, and Kitikmeot regions, with more than 20 participants taking part in each region.

The workshops were led by two instructors, alongside two mentees completing apprenticeships to help transfer the knowledge to a new generation.

Participants learned qilaut terminology, traditional drum-making, performance techniques, and the history of the ancient Inuit instrument, traditionally made using animal bones and skins. Many participants made their own qilaut and were able to keep them after the workshops.

The workshops helped strengthen traditional knowledge that has been lost or weakened in some communities and created opportunities for hands-on cultural learning.

The program supports Qaggiavuut’s work to revitalize Inuit performing arts traditions and pass cultural knowledge on to future generations.