Katajjaniq, the Inuit throat singing, designated as the first element of Québec’s intangible heritage

By Michel Patry

Mr. Maka Kotto, Minister of culture and Communications, and Ms. Élizabeth Larouche, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, announced yesterday during a press conference organized with Avataq Cultural Institute, the designation of the katajjaniq, the Inuit throat singing, as an element of Québec’s intangible heritage, under the new Cultural Heritage Act. It is the first element of intangible heritage to be designated since the entry in force of the Act.

Mr. Charlie Arngak, President of Avataq Cultural Institute and file leader to the Minister, said he was honoured that throat singing be the first designated element of Québec’s intangible heritage and thinks it’s a new step towards including aboriginal people in the definition of the Québec identity.

Throat singing is a traditional game practiced in all of the fourteen Inuit communities of Québec. This playful practice shows a long oral tradition of women of Nunavik. From generation to generation, they have transmitted their knowledge and technical know-how related to throat singing. This practice, based on interpretation of sounds from nature is part of the Nunavik cultural heritage since time immemorial, and has a high symbolic value.

The press conference, hosted by artist Taqralik Partridge, was marked by performances from throat singers Evie Mark, Kathy Tukkiapik, Nancy Saunders, Pauyungie Nutaraaluk and Aulla Tullaugak. This latter, an Inuit elder, made a vibrant testimony of her childhood throat singing practice when there was little to do and eat, and when katajjaniq was entertaining and a way to await the return of the hunters. Numerous leaders and representatives from Inuit institutions and from the community also attended the press conference.

By designating the first element of intangible heritage, Minister Kotto said he wishes to pay tribute to the whole Inuit nation and its unique culture. Élizabeth Larouche, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, has also declared that throat singing is a true example of the transmission of traditional values that became, over the time, a landmark for Nunavimmiut.

Additional information about katajjaniq and other heritage elements registered at the Registrar of Québec’s Cultural Heritage are available on the website of the Répertoire du patrimoine culturel du Québec (RPCQ), at www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca.

Avataq Cultural Institute would also like to thank Air Inuit for its financial contribution to this event.

Sources: Cabinet du ministre de la Culture et des Communications / Cabinet de la ministre déléguée aux Affaires autochtones / Avataq cultural Institute.