Aqpik Jam kicks off 30th anniversary with music, culture and community

By Dominique Gené, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News Kuujjuaq came alive Tuesday evening with music, cheers and laughter as hundreds filled Katittavik Townhall to kick off Aqpik Jam’s 30th year. Led by instructors Janice Parsons Gordon and Sandy Emudluk, the Kuujjuaq Youth Group opened the festival with throat singing and drumming. Applause rose from the arena floor to the upper level bleachers as the 11 boys and girls showed off their skills. Clusters of golden cloudberries decorated the stage, a nod to the northern berry harvest that gives the festival its name. The next a…