Mr. Speaker, I am excited to announce that our annual songwriting contest, Qilaut, is back.
This year marks a special milestone, as Qilaut celebrates its tenth-year anniversary. It is an opportunity to reflect on how Qilaut has helped amplify the voices of Nunavut artists while strengthening the use of Inuktut in music.
Mr. Speaker, since its inception, Qilaut has provided a platform for Nunavummiut to express their creativity, showcase their musical talents, and preserve our language. This contest allows emerging and established artists to celebrate and connect with our culture through song and language. Through the years, Qilaut has directly contributed to the revitalization and continued use of Inuktut across our communities.
In marking this milestone anniversary, we are centering this year’s contest around these themes for 2025: Pirursatillunga and Inuit Sanasimajangit. These themes invite participants to reflect on the importance of our language and culture, and we look forward to hearing the diverse interpretations and creative expressions they inspire. To celebrate the tenth-year anniversary, our department is also organizing three concerts across the territory for the winners.
Mr. Speaker, the deadline for submissions is May 5, 2025, and I encourage all aspiring Nunavut songwriters to participate. Detailed information on how to enter and the full contest rules are available on the Government of Nunavut website.
Qujannamiik.