Iqaluit songwriter’s entry wins 2025 Qilaut contest

By Arty Sarkisian, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Iqaluit performer Tooma Laisa has won the 2025 Qilaut Inuktut songwriting contest for her song Attananngittumi. Iqaluit’s Kristy Kanayuk was awarded second place for Iqqaumavit Ivvi Inuusinganit and Leetia Kalluk from Arctic Bay placed third with Nattirasugiaq, the Department of Culture and Heritage announced this week.  The contest, in its 10th year, celebrates Nunavut’s Inuktut music scene and aims to promote use of the language, a department news release said. The themes this year were Piruqsatillunga and Inuit Sanasimajangit, which translate as “when I was growing up” and “Inuit creations.” Thirty-one submissions were judged on their originality, creativity, melody and lyrics. The top three winners receive $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, and the seven other entries each receive $500. The other…

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