2024 Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq
April is Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq month, a celebration of Inuit language and culture in Nunavut!
The Inuktut learning journey has space for everyone. Whether you are a unilingual elder or learning your first words, we welcome you to celebrate Inuktut language and culture with us this month and all year long.
This year’s theme is “seal”. The seal has been a vital resource to Inuit for thousands of years. It is a nutritious food source and is crafted into beautiful and functional clothing. Sustainable harvesting continues to promote and strengthen culture, tradition, and self-reliance.
This year, the Department of Culture and Heritage is producing public resources that highlight the sophisticated terminology and ingenuity that have arisen out of seal harvesting and processing.
Special screening workshops will feature 3 unique, educational films at the Astro Theatre in Iqaluit on the preparation of seal skins; a skill that is passed on from generation to generation and will highlight three communities, Iqaluit, Kimmirut, and Kinngait. Screenings will take place on April 8th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 24th, and 26th, and will be open in the mornings between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again in the afternoons between 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Astro Theatre Screenings: (Approximately 3 Hours)
- Mirco Short Film – Kamiik Demonstrations – Part 1 of 4
- Feature Film – Part 1 of 3
Short Intermission Break
- Mirco Short Film – Kamiik Demonstrations – Part 2 of 4
- Feature Film – Part 2 of 3
- Mirco Short Film – Kamiik Demonstrations – Part 3 of 4
Short Intermission Break
- Mirco Short Film – Kamiik Demonstrations – Part 4 of 4
- Feature Film – Part 3 of 3
Iqaluit Screenings: April 8, 18, & 26, 2024
Kimmirut Screenings: April 10, 19, & 22, 2024
Kinngait Screenings: April 12, 16, & 24, 2024
We understand the importance of professional development and cultural enrichment. Therefore, attending Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq Month screening workshops will not require employees to use their leave credits, as this is considered a GN Training Workshop.
All employees are encouraged to participate and engage in these enriching learning experiences. Seal-themed snacks will be provided along with some giveaways. There will also be a photoshoot area, and guests are encouraged to come wearing their best “Red Carpet, Seal Outfit”. The guest with the best photoshoot will win a special prize.
“Culture and Heritage is thrilled to unveil a series of educational initiatives highlighting our rich Inuktut language. This year's focus on 'Nattiq', the ringed seal, reflects our commitment to preserving our rich heritage. I am deeply gratified by the collective efforts that have made this celebration possible and eagerly anticipate its significant impact on Nunavummiut.” – Honorable Minister Daniel Qavvik.
During Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq and throughout the year, we encourage everyone to speak Inuktut with their family, friends, and colleagues and pass on their language skills. Each time we speak Inuktut, we help to keep our language and culture strong.
Department of Education
Did you know the Department of Education has developed nearly 700 student books and teacher resources in Inuktitut, and nearly 500 student books and teacher resources in Inuinnaqtun?
Angirrami Ilinniarniq (www.angirrami.com) is an online educational resource to help families support their children’s learning at home, in their own language. There are hundreds of Inuktut, English, and French resources on the site, including books, audiobooks, animated videos, simple learning activities, and language apps.
Uqausiit Pinnguarutiit and Titirariuqsauti are fun, interactive Inuit language apps developed by the Department of Education that introduce users to Inuit language vocabulary and syllabics. These apps can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
From language nests, to lending libraries, to parent and tot groups, our Early Childhood Education Inuit Language and Culture funding promotes fluency in Inuktut and knowledge of Inuit culture in children ages 0 to 6.
The Department of Education provides funding to Ilitaqsiniq (Nunavut Literacy Council) to support the delivery of adult literacy programs. Ilitaqsiniq programs include skill development that feature both traditional and modern culture-based learning. From niqiliri (traditional culinary cultural practices), to amausiuqtitsiniq (amauti sewing), to small engine repair, and qamusiurniq (qamutik building), the series of training is tailored to life in the arctic.
Want to learn more? Go to: https://gov.nu.ca/education.
Department of Human Resources
As part of Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq – working together for a common cause, the Government of Nunavut (GN) is committed to supporting employees to use the Inuktut Language as the working language of the public service.
The Inuktut Language Incentive Program encourages employees to use and increase their Inuktut language skills in the workplace.
Professional development training opportunities are also offered in Inuktut to GN employees. Visit the GN Training Calendar to see future training opportunities.
You can submit your resumé and cover letter to the Department of Human Resources’ staffing division in any of Nunavut’s official languages. The department encourages the use Inuktut especially during Uqausirmut Quviasuutiqarniq, Inuktut Language Month.
Elders are often guest speakers (with interpretation) during the department’s training programs.
Nunavummiut, let’s promote Inuktut by using it daily!
Department of Community and Government Services
Inuinnaqtun is now on Microsoft Translator!
Through collaboration between Microsoft and the GN’s Departments of Community and Government Services and Culture, we are happy to announce more exciting capabilities for the Inuktut language on the Microsoft Translator.
Inuinnaqtun
Inuktitut Roman Orthography
Inuktitut improved language model
It has been a year since Inuktut became available on the Microsoft Translator and the tool has already proven to be a very special and useful tool for Nunavummiut. Inuktut being introduced to the Microsoft Translator has opened up opportunities not only in the workplace but at home and in everyday life. Whether you are at home, work or in the classroom, this tool will increase access to Inuktitut for a with internet access via computer, phone, or tablet.
After a successful launch, we took public feedback into consideration when we entered phase two to enhance the tool. With our enhanced Inuktitut, and the introduction of Inuktitut Roman orthography and Inuinnaqtun, we can help increase visibility of the Inuktut language across the world. The more Inuktut speakers use it and provide input, the more the translator “learns” and increases its Inuktut skills.
“It is an honour to continue supporting the Government of Nunavut in this important work,” said Kevin Peesker, President of Microsoft Canada. “The updates to the Inuktitut language model, in direct response to feedback from the community, and the addition of Inuinnaqtun to Microsoft Translator will ensure Inuktut continues to thrive for generations to come.”
By preserving the Inuktut language through technology, we promote the use of Inuktut and make it accessible to everyone. Our supported languages, the translation capability is enabled through many Microsoft products and allows Nunavummiut to incorporate this into their daily work life easily. Get creative and share the different ways you use the Inuktut language in Microsoft Translator on social media with the hashtag #Quviasuutiqarniq, Atti!
For more information on the project, go to: https://news.microsoft.com/en-ca/2022/02/01/government-of-nunavut-preser...
To use the Microsoft translator go to: www.bing.com/translator . There is also the Microsoft Translator app on Android, iOS and Windows: Apps - Microsoft Translator
