Qamaniq Records is an artist driven organization designed to carry out projects associated with Inuit cultural reclamation. Namely the documentation, creation, and dissemination of Inuit music.
How to contact us
- Press and media information can be obtained by visiting our artist pages where you'll find bios, latest releases, upcoming shows, photos, and other media including a downloadable press kit. Further inquiries can be made by contacting press@qamaniqrecords.com
- Booking requests can be made by sending a detailed proposal to bookings@qamaniqrecords.com
Our primary focus is on the traditional Inuit music practices of katajjaq - a distinct type of throat singing uniquely found among Inuit, and pisiit – ancient chanted songs of survival, joy, resilience and healing, written using traditional poetic terminology. Both practices were restricted by Christian missionaries during colonization of the Canadian Arctic. This makes them all the more important to document and contemporize for the benefit of future generations.
We are currently not accepting new artists onto our roster. However, we are always looking for new collaborators and partners. If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch.
About Charlotte Qamaniq
Saalati Angugaattiaq Qamaniuvunga, angajuqqaakka Asita Uvinik Qamaniq amma Marsai Mason. Ataatattiara atiqalauqtu Naitani Qamanirmi, anaanattiara Qattuurainnuk Juana Qamaniq. Ilakka Iglulik amma Iglurjuarmiutaksajaujui, uvanga Iglulingmi Iqalungniglu piruqsalauqsimajunga, Ottawa-mi nunaqaliq&unga 22-nik arraaguni. Ujjirivunga qujalivungalu qiturngakkalu Algonquin Anishinaabe nunanganimiutaujunnaratta tamaani iniqaq&uta.
I am Charlotte Angugaattiaq Qamaniq, my parents are Asita Uvinik Qamaniq and Marcel Mason. My maternal grandfather was Nathan Qamaniq, my maternal grandmother Qattuuraanuk Joanna Qamaniq. My family is originally from the Iglulik and Iglurjuat regions, I was raised in Iglulik and Iqaluit, and have been living in Ottawa the last 22 years. I acknowledge that I am on Algonquin Anishinaabe territory and am grateful that my children and I are welcomed here on this land.
Qamaniq is the name of my Ataatattia, my maternal grandfather.
When Inuit were coerced and forcefully relocated to settlements setup by the Government of Canada between 1940-1970 we lost our nomadic way of life. Inuit were forced to wear E-numbers that were stamped on discs and worn around their necks to identify them by government and church officials.
My grandfather's E number was E5-544.
In the 1970's Inuit were given English first names as their Inuktitut names were deemed too difficult to pronounce. The paternal head of the family's given name was then registered as their last name which is how my Grandfather became Nathan Qamaniq.
I chose Qamaniq Records as my company name because I owe it to my grandfather and my direct family line to honor them and my Inuit ancestral lineage that dates back thousands of years in Inuit Nunaat.
I am recognized under the Nunavut Land Claims Beneficiary as a member of Iglulik and my Ottawa born children are accepted members of Iglulik as well.
I am privileged to practice and reclaim traditional songs; katajjaq (throat singing), qilaujjaq (drum dance), ajaaja (traditional songs) and traditional practices; qulliq (Inuit stone lamp) lighting, hunting and gathering, the preparation of animal hides, and to pass on the oral history, stories, legends and teachings of my ancestors. These birth rights have brought me strength, pride, and self-worth. I am who I am and where I am because I am a Qamaniq, a descendant of my Inuit ancestors.
