Pan Am Games' Aboriginal Pavilion to feature Inuit, Dene performers

Performers from Nunavut, Nunavik, N.W.T. and Yukonwill be taking part in the upcoming aboriginal pavilion organized in conjunction with the upcoming Pan Am/Parapan Am Games in Toronto.

This pavilion will be the largest aboriginal music, comedy, dance and multi-disciplinary arts festival in the history of the games, bringing together more than200 artists and performers.

Nelson Tagoonaof Baker Lake, Nunavut, willperformin the pavilion's opening night showcase July 16 at the Fort York historic site. Other Northern acts on the bill are theN.W.T. Youth Ambassadors,Tuktoyaktuk'sSiglit Drummers and Dancers, and theDakhk Khwan Dancers from Whitehorse.

Tagoona is known for his unique style of throat-boxing inspired by Inuit throat singing.

"I'm going to be kind of surrounded by all the chaos of the Pan Am Games;I'm really excited for that," he said. "I like performing in areas where there is a lot of hype."

Despite the fact that he has yet to release an album, Tagoona is already establishing a reputation as a power-house performer, a fact that has garnered him a spot in the opening showcaseof the pavilion.

"We really want the opening showcase to get people excited for what's to come over the course of the rest of the festival," says Rheanne Chartrand the festival's artistic producer.

"Nelson represents the vibrancy of the younger generation. He brings dynamism to his performance," says Chartrand.

Iqaluit's Johnny Issaluk will presenta workshop on Inuit Games as well as collaboratewith N.W.T. Youth Ambassadors and students from the Toronto-areaDufferin Peel School District.

"Inuit traditional games, they have been around for centuries," says Issaluk.

"When you have your first hunt, or when you get married, or have a big gathering of some sort you celebrate; you throat sing and you dance, you tell stories and you play games. These games helped my ancestors stay physically healthy and mentally strong.

"I do a lot more than demonstrate;I portray the beauties and the riches of our culture."

Other Northern artists who are scheduled to perform during the culturalfestival include Susan Aglukark, Leela Gilday andElisapie Isaac.