Beatrice Deer et Sinuupa

Beatrice Deer

Beatrice Deer is from a small, remote village called Quaqtaq, on the Hudson Straight in Nunavik, Northern Quebec, Canada. Expression through music as a teen grew into a passion that did not go unnoticed by festival organizers in the region. She landed various gigs in many of the 14 communities of Nunavik. Having recorded her first album in Kuujjuaq, at Qimuk Music , Beatrice was awarded Best Inuit Cultural Album of 2005 at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. In 2010, her second album, much anticipated and well received by a strong and growing fan-base, was followed shortly thereafter by a lifelong dream of hers: to release (her third) a Christmas album. Success, thrice!

Bea’s grasp on Inuit culture is held near and dear to her heart. An accomplished seamstress, she is not without ability to provide traditional clothing for herself, family and friends, sometimes accentuated with hints of contemporary style. Her talent for painting and drawing that which she has seen growing up in the arctic, is displayed in many homes throughout and her skill as a staunch throat singer has not gone unnoticed. Encouragement and training among peers and an inquisitive respect for the craft lead Beatrice to pursue throat singing, not only for the sake of etching another notch in her belt of achievements, but rather for the ability to pass on a time-honored tradition that she may share with younger generations and people abroad.

Trips North for performances or to simply bask in the vast peace and serenity, help to keep her inspired and often are a welcome break from city-life. Having one foot in both worlds may prove challenging to many and Beatrice does what she can to ensure that the best of both worlds are highlighted for her two young children. She has been living in Montreal since 2007, performs regularly at various venues near and far, changing her “hat” as a folk-pop singer-songwriter and throat singer on a steadfast course to entertain and surprise.

Etua (Edward) Snowball a.k.a. Sinuupa

Raised by his parents Bobby and Jessie, and his grandmother Jeannie, Etua (Edward) spent most of his youngster life on the land of his Inuit ancestors, a place called Tunulik, some 80 miles north east of Kuujjuaq, Nunavik (Northern Quebec). His childhood was set to the rhythm of the traditional nomadic Inuit way of life. Everyday he would venture out into the tundra with his family to hunt and fish. With the sunset, he would return to camp, eat, and slumber to the sound of Jessie singing the ancient stories and hymns, which she learned from the missionaries.

Etua would be among the first Inuit to attend the permanent schools established by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. In his spare time, he would share in the town-folk's fascination over machines, soft drinks, and especially music.

When Etua was fifteen, a guitar was left behind at his father's fishing camp. When Etua wasn't out on the land guiding tourists for Bobby Snowball’s budding outfitting business, he played the six-string constantly, improvising, as Inuit do, his own riffs and melodies.

As the years went by, music became more and more important. A friend of his had given him his guitar and he spent as much time as he could writing songs and jamming with local talent.

He is 22 years old when he records his first album, Nunaga (My land). Released in 1995, the album comes around at a time where Inuit have to make a decision concerning their future, as Quebec inquires about sovereignty. Written in his own language, Inuktitut, the title track becomes an anthem for the Inuit as they have their own Referendum on self- determination. Etua is chosen as the recipient of the Nunavik Human Resources Award (1995). His music is also used in his regional government's documentary film on Nunavik.

Complete biography