Elisapie releases a video for National Indigenous Peoples Day

Elisapie debuts a new performance video in honor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, showcasing her rendition of the song “Quviasukkuvit (If It Makes You Happy).” Shot amidst the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ (MMFA) Inuit art collection exhibition, titled ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik: essence of life, this performance aims to bridge Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities while celebrating Inuit heritage.

In this exclusive performance available on the MMFA’s YouTube channel, Elisapie delivers a soulful interpretation of Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy” in Inuktitut. The song, originally released in 1996, left a lasting impact on Elisapie during her formative years in Salluit, inspiring notions of freedom and resilience.

The message of enduring strength and optimism conveyed in the song deeply resonates with the remarkable works by Inuit artists showcased in the ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik exhibition at the MMFA. Accompanied by talented musicians Jean-Sébastien Williams (guitar), Joshua Toal (bass), and Jay Essiambre (drums), Elisapie infuses a harmonious fusion of modernity and tradition into her performance, mirroring the rhythmic essence of the northern landscapes.

Expressing her gratitude, Elisapie shared, “It was a privilege to sing amidst the captivating artwork in this gallery, which includes pieces by revered Inuit artists, including my late family member, Bobby Quppaapik Tarkirk! I felt a sense of belonging and am deeply thankful for this opportunity.”

Stéphane Aquin, Director of the MMFA, commented on Elisapie’s performance, stating, “We are moved by this timeless moment where Elisapie’s voice intertwines with the surrounding Inuit art, imbuing the space with both delicacy and strength. Elisapie’s collaboration with our institution not only showcased her remarkable talent but also forged a powerful connection between music and visual arts, revitalizing the significance of her mother tongue. Her embrace of Inuktitut language and her roots reflects her unwavering dedication to her heritage.”

Elisapie’s profound connection to her homeland and language, Inuktitut, remains the cornerstone of her artistic journey. Hailing from Salluit, a remote village in Nunavik accessible only by air, she embodies the essence of Canadian Inuk culture as a revered singer-songwriter. Following her Juno Award win in 2005 with Taima, her band, Elisapie has garnered widespread acclaim for her musical repertoire. Her album “Inuktitut” (2023) received critical acclaim and secured nominations for the Polaris Music Prize and subsequent Juno Awards, affirming her status as a leading figure in contemporary Indigenous music.