Lute festival breaks records

NWT - The fifth annual NWT International Lute Festival had a record-breaking year, with more people than ever before turning out in Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife for the shows. The festival is organized by the Hay River Early Music Society, and its director Tyler Hawkins said he was very impressed, especially with one of the venues.
"We had about 300 people come out for the performances," said Hawkins. "I really liked the Fort Smith Cathedral. I mean, it is built for that style of music."
Hawkins said he isn't sure what accounts for the increased turnout – in previous years the festival has averaged around 80 viewers – but he does have some ideas. He suggested that his "media blitz" may have been the reason, or just having it in the fall, surrounded by Culture Days. In the past, the festival has been held in the winter and spring.

Coffeehouse culture

LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Fort Simpson celebrated Culture Days recently with a coffeehouse held at the community recreation centre.
The event, which was organized by the Open Sky Creative Society, featured the music of Michael Blyth, mural painting and freshly backed goods.
The coffeehouse was only one of many Culture Days celebrations held throughout Canada.

Halloween around the corner

AKLAVIK - Aklavik is preparing for the community's annual Halloween festivities. The fun begins Oct. 27, when there will be a pre-school and an elders' Halloween costume contest beginning at 6 p.m. for children four and older and adults over 50.
The youth costume and Halloween dance will be from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 28 for youth between the ages of five and 15. The adult dance will be held Oct. 29, beginning at 7 p.m. for people 16 and older.
All events will be held at the Sittichinli Recreational Complex and will include prizes awarded throughout the weekend, according to recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod.

Report released on Inuit language

NUNAVUT - Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) released their 2009-10 Annual Report on the State of Inuit Culture and Society. The document is titled Our Primary Concern: Inuit Language in Nunavut.
It outlines the current state of Inuit language across Nunavut and offers examples of how aboriginal cultures around the world have revitalized their languages. In a press release issued Oct. 12, NTI president Cathy Towtongie made clear the importance of language.
"Language is the cornerstone of a strong culture and society," she said. "Inuit have made it very clear for close to 40 years now that protecting Inuit language is critical to ensure the success of Inuit as we strive for self-determination," said Towtongie.
She urged MLAs and Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq to thoroughly read the report and to urge their governments to take immediate action to revitalize language. According to the release, the report will be tabled in the Nunavut legislative assembly and the House of Commons this fall.

Curtain rises on Cinderella

KAMANITTUAQ/BAKER LAKE - September saw the Missoula Children's Theatre in Baker Lake as the troupe performed Cinderella with students from Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School and Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School.
Friends, family members and fellow students came out to view the production.

Scary stories in Iqaluit

IQALUIT - The Unikkaarvik Regional Visitor's Centre in Iqaluit will host storytelling, complete with traditional scary stories for Halloween, on Sunday Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Admission for the event is free, and those interested should go to building 220.