🇨🇦 Inuit artists to gather in traditional Qaggiq iglus for cultural celebration
From March 27–29, 2026, Qaggiavuut Nunavut Performing Arts Centre will host Qaggiq 2026, a three-day Inuit cultural gathering in Iqaluit bringing together artists, Elders, knowledge keepers, and youth from across Inuit Nunangat.
The gathering will take place at 2015 Akilliq Drive in Iqaluit and will be centered around a traditional Qaggiq — a large iglu gathering space where Inuit communities historically came together to perform, celebrate, compete, share knowledge, and resolve disputes.
Leading up to the event, professional iglu builders and youth apprentices will work together to construct the large Qaggiq and surrounding iglus, which will be used for performances, workshops, and community activities.
Visitors will experience a program featuring katajjaq (throat singing), qilaujjaq (drum dancing), pisiit songs, theatre performances, Inuit games, and other traditional arts. The event will also include a snow sculpture competition, a traditional clothing contest, an arts and crafts fair, and an Inuit village life showcase.
Artists will travel to Iqaluit from all three regions of Nunavut, as well as the Inuvialuit region in the Northwest Territories.
Programming will run daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, and the event is free and open to the public. A full schedule will be released closer to the gathering.
The last Qaggiq gathering was held in Iqaluit in 2021 and was a great success. Many have requested to see the event again, and Qaggiavuut has responded.
“This is the core of what we do,” says Executive Director Looee Arreak. “It’s in our name — ‘Qaggiavuut’ means ‘let’s gather’ together to create a space where artists can share, learn, and showcase their talents.”
The gathering is designed to strengthen Inuit arts, provide paid opportunities for artists and builders, and create spaces where knowledge can be shared between generations.
The event is supported by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), Government of Nunavut’s Department of Community Services, Government of Canada, local nonprofits and businesses, and more.
For updates and the full schedule, follow Qaggiavuut on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact: Looee Arreak, [email protected]
Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iQbulOCOML3u5MuPfrDC5R7UIx3s1rvg?usp=sharing
About Qaggiavuut:
Qaggiavuut is an Inuit-led nonprofit based in Nunavut. Founded in 2012, our mission is to protect and promote Inuit culture by creating Qaggiq – gathering spaces where Inuit artists come together to perform, practice, and carry culture forward. We support artists, performers, Elders, researchers, and knowledge keepers across Inuit Nunaat, strengthening practices such as drum dancing, throat singing, storytelling, and other art forms that define our identity. As we make space for Inuit artists to gather, we honour our past and guide our future. To learn more, visit www.qaggiavuut.com.
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