A circus artist from Kuujjuaq was awarded the Aboriginal Youth prize, which was awarded as part of the Quebec Youth Recognition awards. Saali Kuata received her award, along with a $ 1,500 scholarship, at a ceremony held on May 25 at the Salle des Promotions du Séminaire de Québec.
Mr. Kuata said he was happy and honored by this award, recognizing his commitment. Very phenomenal indeedhe said, moved to recognize his role as role model of the youth in his community.
I am happy [d’être le lauréat] in this new category – it’s specialhe explains.
In addition to his participation in the social circus company Tupiq Act, Mr. Kuata is also a circus instructor. She passes on her passion and knowledge through the social circus summer camp program – which welcomes 40 to 50 young people.
It is important to be able to teach [les arts du cirque] youthsaid Mr. Kuata.
” The camp shows the children that they can do whatever they want to do […] and allows them not to be afraid of the scene. “
In particular, he showed them some acrobatic techniques and rope routines – he does it himself many things during the presentations of the Tupiq Act. Mr. remembers. Kuata that he began his career at age 16, during a circus summer camp in northern Quebec.
He left Kuujjuaq, where he grew up, at the age of 18 to pursue his college studies. He attended John Abbott College where he first took social studies and then drama. In this program, he chose to focus on technique-such as lighting and stage construction. I don’t want to be an actor, but a technicianhe admits.
Mr. Kuata, however, stopped studying to devote himself to his circus career. The Tupiq Act company makes shows that come together between four and six actors. We’re trying to make a trail to show it’s possible for Aboriginals to do circus arts, Mr. Kuata insisted.
A company dedicated to Inuit culture
The mission of the Inuit Tupiq Act circus company is to promote the Inuit language, culture, tradition and art through circus art.
We want to do what we want, and we hope [être reconnus] as full-time professional actorshe said. Our mandate is to preserve our cultureHe added.
For this reason, interventions during the Tupiq Act performances are in Inuktitut, our languageso that advance and represent ourselvessaid Mr. Kuata.
The company offers several circus shows in the north. They also produced a show that was shown in Montreal in October. The goal of the circus troupe is to tell our stories and contribute to the introduction of Inuit culture. Tupiq Act also plans to show its show in Quebec City.
” The whole process aims to create bridges between cultures. “
Circus arts help him, on a physical level, to strengthen his body. But he also believes they allow him spirit to refocus on himself as a child. The circus allows him to remember his language noticeable.
The circus helps me a lotend of Mr. Kuata.
A total of 11 Youth Recognition awards were presented on May 25 as a tribute to the commitment of the youth and youth workers. These awards are divided into five categories: the Youth Awards, the Aboriginal Youth Award, the Youth Worker Award, the Emmett-Johns Award (to reward outstanding contribution to youth), and the Coup de coeur award.
Source: Radio-Canada
