Episode 11

Life Is Too Hard Without Music

All across the Arctic, indigenous languages are on the decline. But in many communities, people are finding new ways to reclaim both language and culture. Join some Inuit rockers in northern Canada in the recording studio, singing in their own language and making their first new studio album in more than 30 years.

Transcript

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Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut, the largest territory in Canada.

Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut, the largest territory in Canada.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

James Ungalaq, lead singer of Northern Haze

James Ungalaq, lead singer of Northern Haze

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

Band members from Northern Haze sign CD covers.

Band members from Northern Haze sign CD covers.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

A band performs at a concert highlighting Nunavut music.

A band performs at a concert highlighting Nunavut music.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

Across Canada, the proportion of Inuit who speak Inuktitut is on the decline.

Across Canada, the proportion of Inuit who speak Inuktitut is on the decline.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott.

Aaju Peter sews a tie out of sealskin in her home.

Aaju Peter sews a tie out of sealskin in her home.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

Andrew Morrison of the The Jerry Cans and Josh Qaumariaq of The Trade-Offs, another band on Aakuluk Music.

Andrew Morrison of the The Jerry Cans and Josh Qaumariaq of The Trade-Offs, another band on Aakuluk Music.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

The winters are long and dark in Nunavut. The return of the sun is a celebration.

The winters are long and dark in Nunavut. The return of the sun is a celebration.

Iqaluit, Canada. Photo credit: Nick Mott

Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut, the largest territory in Canada.

James Ungalaq, lead singer of Northern Haze

Band members from Northern Haze sign CD covers.

A band performs at a concert highlighting Nunavut music.

Across Canada, the proportion of Inuit who speak Inuktitut is on the decline.

Aaju Peter sews a tie out of sealskin in her home.

Andrew Morrison of the The Jerry Cans and Josh Qaumariaq of The Trade-Offs, another band on Aakuluk Music.

The winters are long and dark in Nunavut. The return of the sun is a celebration.

How to Listen

Listen for free on our website, or anywhere you find podcasts.

Learn more

Northern Haze: Living the Dream

Watch the documentary Northern Haze: Living the Dream, which tells the story of the first known Inuit Rock Band to sing in their native tongue.

Northern Haze Releases New Album

In November 2018, the Inuktitut folk and metal infused rock band Northern Haze released 'Siqinnaarut,' its first album in three decades. Read the article from Billboard here.

The Jerry Cans

The Jerry Cans combine traditional Inuit throat singing with folk music and rock music. They were nominated for two Juno Awards in 2018. Learn more here, and watch their music video Ukiuq.

Playlist Featuring Nunavut Music

Jam out to some music from the north with Threshold producer Nick Mott’s Spotify playlist.

Angry Inuk

Seal meat is a staple food for Inuit, and many of the pelts are sold to offset the high cost of hunting. This documentary features Aaju Peter and other Inuit hunters who are pushing for a sustainable way to take part in the global economy.

Next episode:

Episode 12: Here Be Dragons

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