December 13, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario
Inuktitut magazine, the longest-running Indigenous language periodical in Canada, will begin publishing under a new name in 2025 – Inuktut.
The transition to a new name reflects the current use of the term Inuktut to include all dialects of the Inuit language spoken within Inuit Nunangat and better aligns with contemporary terminology. The name was unanimously endorsed by delegates to the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) Annual General Meeting in September.
First published in 1959, Inuktut magazine has always been Inuit-led, with first editors Mary Panigusiq Cousins, Elijah Menarik, along with Robert (Bobby) Williamson. It was first created through the federal government and has been published by ITK since 1989.
Inuktut magazine showcases the rich and diverse life and culture of Inuit in Inuit Nunangat. It is published twice a year, is delivered to all 51 communities in Inuit Nunangat, and is also available on a new online platform released to mark its 65th anniversary. The magazine has changed its name once before, from Inuktitut to Inuttituut/Inuktitun between 1972 and 1977 and then reverted to Inuktitut for the past 40-plus years.
The magazine shares Inuit voices, fosters Inuit unity, and documents advancements made by Inuit and ITK. It serves to encourage and advance Inuit literary arts in non-fiction and fiction, as well as serving as a platform for Inuit illustrators and photographers. It is one of the only media outlets that exclusively features Inuit voices through an Inuit lens, primarily focused on current events, culture, and lifestyle trends across Inuit Nunangat.
“Inuktitut magazine provides Inuit with a record of who we are and where we are going. Its new name is a simple change, but it reflects our ability to grow, change, and adapt, and the importance we put on reflecting contemporary Inuit society,” said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
The name change is part of a forthcoming magazine redesign. Inuktut will run its first issue with the new name, and a new look, in 2025. ITK invites Inuit from across Inuit Nunangat and Canada to contribute stories, ideas, photos, and art. Contact Editor Jessie Fraser at inuktut@itk.ca for submission guidelines, rates, and issue deadlines.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
media@itk.ca
613-292-4482
