ARVIAT - The spotlight shone brightly on Kivalliq performers at the 2010 Inummariit Music Festival in Arviat this past month.

Helen Konek gives it her all on the jaw harp during the Inummariit Music Festival in Arviat this past month. - photo courtesy of Mike Robbins

The event was organized by the Arviat Arts Society, and a large number of volunteers helped out with the various activities during the three-day festival.

Sound engineer and master of ceremonies John Main said the event focused on Kivalliq entertainers this year.

He said the festival rotates between a larger event that brings in performers from across Nunavut and Northern Quebec, and a smaller festival featuring Kivalliq artists.

"We had performers from every Kivalliq community except Chesterfield Inlet and Whale Cove," said Main. "The attendance was great throughout the festival, and we had some people in from other communities, which is always great to see.

"We work hard to make it a festival anyone can feel welcome at.

"In addition to longtime Arviat residents, we had a number of people who just moved to our community and are learning about what the festival means to Arviat, as well as David Pelly and Mike Robbins of the ecotourism project we have here, so it was just great to have them all here for the festival."

Main said first-time attenders at the festival were impressed by what Arviat and the Kivalliq region have to offer in terms of performers.

He said the festival only happens once a year, so it's always a big event for the community.

"When you look at the years we feature regional entertainers; it's not like the Kivalliq has a lack of great talent.

"It's more a lack of stage time across the region for them to show their talent.

"When you let them do their thing, you see what great performers we have in Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay and Coral Harbour, as we did at this year's festival."

The Arviat festival also included a fashion show and a craft show, which both went over very well.

Main said the shows were enjoyed by many in the community, and gave some folks a chance to do a little early Christmas shopping.

He said a comedy show was also featured, which was presented as a contest with the

audience judging the funniest performers.

"The entertainers also did a show performing songs especially for kids, and that was quite well-attended.

"It was pretty cute to see the kids getting into the music, singing along and doing various actions to some songs.

"The entire event was held in our community hall, and it was pretty apparent as we went along that our hall is no longer large enough for the size of this town, so it was standing-room only for a number of performances.

"We owe a huge debt of thanks to major sponsors such as hamlet council, Calm Air, First Air and Qitik Inc., a local business in Arviat."

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