No matter how popular it becomes, or how it evolves, throat singing remains firmly rooted in tradition, with a deep connection to the rugged natural environs of the Arctic. “We’re finally in this moment of being recognized,” says Tagaq. “But this is not just sound; it allows us to be us again. It’s attached to everything we’ve been through and how we think, breathe, and exist. Some of these traditional songs we’re singing talk about the death of a lover or the growth of a puppy that wants to be a sled dog—it’s all attached to our language and attached to our land.”
Hear throat singing IRL
Although it’s on the rise, the Inuit throat singing scene remains relatively small, so opportunities to hear it live are still rare IYKYK occasions (there’s no stadium tour just yet). Here are your best bets for listening in.
Follow along. Social media is the most accessible place to listen to throat singing and to keep tabs on when and where your favorite musicians are playing.
Attend a festival. Most performances happen at Indigenous-focused music festivals, such as Sākihiwē (June in Winnipeg), Alianait (July in Iqaluit), and ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl/Come Toward the Fire (September in Vancouver).
Visit the Arctic. Adventurous globe-trotters who want to get a feel for the place that inspires this tradition can shell out for a trip to one of Nunavut’s regional hubs (Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, or Cambridge Bay). Ottawa, which also has a large Inuit community, is a more affordable and feasible option for most.
Buy the album. It may sound old school, but actually purchasing these artists’ records on their websites is a no-brainer way to support them. (Groundbreaking, we know.)
Educate yourself. Above all, it’s crucial to understand how history has impacted this tradition and how the Inuit have safeguarded it despite countless challenges. A good starting point for delving into Canada’s colonialist past is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
