University of Toronto Scarborough Instructional Centre Atrium
October 22, 2022 - 1 – 4 pm

Qanuqtuurunnarniq Opening Reception

Presented in partnership with Culinaria Research Centre

Join us for the opening of Qanuqtuurunnarniq, featuring a curatorial talk, traditional throat singing and drumming performance, country food, and Inuit artisan market

We’re celebrating Qanuqtuurunnarniq with a public reception on Saturday, October 22. The afternoon will include a talk by curator Naulaq LeDrew, followed by a performance by throat singers Arnakuluit (Tamara Takpannie and Janice Ulaaju) and drummer David Serkoak. Country food, prepared in partnership with Chef Joseph Shawana and Culinaria Research Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough, will be offered. An Inuit artisan market will run throughout the afternoon, featuring books for purchase from Inhabit Media.

Free, all are welcome! ASL interpretation and other access features available upon request when registering, or by contacting dmg.utsc@utoronto.ca. This is a relaxed reception, attendees can come and go as they please. Seating will be available. The Instructional Centre is wheelchair accessible.

Inuit Artisans

Vanessa Brousseau
Naulaq LeDrew
David Serkoak
Tamara Takpannie
Janice Ulaaju
Meeka Uniuqsaraq

PERFORMER BIOS

Arnakuluit

Tamara and Janice have been throat singing together since the Spring of 2016. The duo began singing at local Ottawa-area venues and have since ventured into larger provincial performances. The meaning of "arnakuluit" is very special for Janice and Tamara as both women are raising their children to be proud Inuit in their communities. Arnakuluit translates into "beautiful women" in English.

Follow Arnakuluit on Instagram

David Serkoak

Serkoak is much in demand at regional, national, and international events. He regularly gives workshops in drum dancing and drum making across Canada and at conferences around the world. He was a member of the Winter Olympic Symposium Committee in Vancouver and took part in the opening and closing ceremonies and in launching the Aboriginal Pavilion at the games in 2010.

David spends much of his time making Inuit drums and teaching youth about the art of drum dancing. He and his wife Lesley have three grown daughters, Amanda, Meeka and Karla. David spends many hours with his six grandchildren, Briana, Makayla, Kyle, Laura Ryan and Emma.