Pan Am Games' Aboriginal Pavilion to feature Inuit, Dene performers

Performers from Nunavut, Nunavik, N.W.T. and Yukon will be taking part in the upcoming aboriginal pavilion organized in conjunction with the upcoming Pan Am/Parapan Am Games in Toronto.

This pavilion will be the largest aboriginal music, comedy, dance and multi-disciplinary arts festival in the history of the games, bringing together more than 200 artists and performers.  

Nelson Tagoona of Baker Lake, Nunavut, will perform in the pavilion's opening night showcase July 16 at the Fort York historic site. Other Northern acts on the bill are the N.W.T. Youth Ambassadors, Tuktoyaktuk's Siglit Drummers and Dancers, and the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers from Whitehorse.

Tagoona is known for his unique style of throat-boxing inspired by Inuit throat singing.  

"I'm going to be kind of surrounded by all the chaos of the Pan Am Games; I'm really excited for that," he said. "I like performing in areas where there is a lot of hype."

Despite the fact that he has yet to release an album, Tagoona is already establishing a reputation as a power-house performer, a fact that has garnered him a spot in the opening showcase of the pavilion.  

"We really want the opening showcase to get people excited for what's to come over the course of the rest of the festival," says Rheanne Chartrand the festival's artistic producer.

"Nelson represents the vibrancy of the younger generation. He brings dynamism to his performance," says Chartrand.  

Iqaluit's Johnny Issaluk will present a workshop on Inuit Games as well as collaborate with N.W.T. Youth Ambassadors and students from the Toronto-area Dufferin Peel School District.  

"Inuit traditional games, they have been around for centuries," says Issaluk. 

"When you have your first hunt, or when you get married, or have a big gathering of some sort you celebrate; you throat sing and you dance, you tell stories and you play games. These games helped my ancestors stay physically healthy and mentally strong.  

"I do a lot more than demonstrate; I portray the beauties and the riches of our culture."  

Other Northern artists who are scheduled to perform during the cultural festival include Susan Aglukark, Leela Gilday and Elisapie Isaac.