Susan and Madeline
Inuit
Igloolik
Friends since they were young girls, Susan and Madeline truly developed their bond as adults living in Igloolik, Nunavut. Over the years, they have supported each other and offered each other a space to be creative by exploring ajaja—traditional Inuit singing. When a Quebec filmmaker came to the North to teach women about filmmaking as a means of independence, Susan and Madeline dove right in, further developing their friendship and their drive to share Inuit culture with the world.
About this video: Inuit in Nunavut
Nunavut officially became a territory on April 1, 1999. Comprised of 26 communities, 27,000 Inuit inhabit the territory. Nunavut is divided into three regions: Qikiqtaaluk, Kivalliq, and Kitikmeot.
Unlike all but one other provincial or territorial government in Canada, Nunavut is governed by a consensus-style government, rather than party politics. Twenty-two MLAs are elected as independent candidates of their constituencies, and, once elected, they vote amongst themselves to determine who will be the Speaker, Premier and Ministers. Learn more about Nunavut’s consensus government.
Igloolik, located to the west of Baffin Island, has a population of just over 1,500 people and is regarded as one of the Territory’s cultural centres—known for its filmmaking, fine arts and performance arts—and is rich in history and archaeology. Evidence found at nearby sites suggests that the region has been inhabited for over 4,000 years.
Today, Igloolik is several kilometers away from the original settlement at Igloolik Point. Inuit moved to this location to access the services and opportunities available in the Qallunaat’s (white people) settlement. Located in Canada’s far north, it has 24-hour daylight in high summer and 24 hours of darkness in winter.
Learn more about Inuit culture on our resources page.
Share their stories, add yours, and celebrate Indigenous women you know. #SheisIndigenous