| Like many other aboriginal cultures around the | | | | were passed down through many generations of |
| world, the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic have made | | | | Inuit. |
| use of drums in some of their traditional music for | | | | Like Inuit throat singing, the practice of Inuit drum |
| centuries. Inuit drum dancing played a part in | | | | dancing was banned by Christian missionaries for |
| many special occasions such as births, marriages, | | | | many years. Eventually, the Inuit regained their |
| an Inuit boy's first hunt, changing of seasons, | | | | right to perform their drum dances. However, |
| greetings for visitors or to honor someone who | | | | Inuit drum dancing is not as important today to |
| had passed away. News of these special events | | | | Inuit life as it once was since western lifestyles |
| was spread by word of mouth and many Inuit | | | | have become such a big part of the northern |
| traveled great distances to attend. | | | | Arctic. Inuit drum dancing is still sometimes |
| The Inuit drum called a qilaut was traditionally | | | | performed at symbolic celebrations such as |
| made from caribou skin with seal or walrus skin | | | | opening ceremonies for conferences, festivals, |
| around the handle. Before, Inuit drum dancing was | | | | graduations and shows for tourists. Watching an |
| most commonly done by men but eventually both | | | | Inuit drum dancer perform his or her music can |
| men and women performed it. There were | | | | be almost hypnotic and is one of the special |
| various Inuit songs called ajaaja that were sung | | | | treats from Inuit culture to be enjoyed by all. Inuit |
| while drum dancing. In the past, many individuals | | | | drum dancers are a common subject for Inuit art |
| had their own ajaaja songs that were unique to | | | | carvings and drawings. Inuit artists have even |
| them and about their own personal life | | | | outfitted some of their animal subjects with Inuit |
| experiences. There were also many songs that | | | | drums. |