Sam Anayoak
My name is Sam Anayoak. I am from Cambridge bay, Nunavut. I have been drum dancing for over 7 years I have learned a lot from the drum dance group here in Cambridge bay and I want to keep the culture alive for the younger generations to come.
David “Inuk Juice” Ohokannoak
David Ohokannoak (aka InukJuice) is a heavy equipment operator from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. He’s been performing standup comedy for the past 10 years in his hometown and has been on comedy tours with GotLand and Crackup Comedy in Ottawa and Yellowknife; and more recently the Canadian North Arctic Comedy Festival 2023, which took him to Whitehorse, Inuvik and Yellowknife.
An avid hunter and Fisherman, he looks to pass on his traditional Inuit knowledge to his children.
Matthew Ohokannoak
“Former Child”
Rita Claire Mike-Murphy - “Riit”
Riit, a Canadian Inuk musician and television personality from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut, has made significant waves in the music scene. Her album “ataataga” was nominated for the Juno Award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year in 2020 and was also long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize the same year. In 2019, she received the Emerging Talent Award from the Youth Media Alliance for her work on the children’s show Anaana’s Tent. She recently just graduated from the Hairstyling program at Algonquin College this past April and is ready to get back into creating and performing full-time again.
Peggy Hogan - ““Hua Li””
Peggy Hogan, also known as Hua Li from Montreal.
Peggy is an artful collaborator who also has her own independent projects as Hua Li. “Hua Li has often worked the fruitful tension between opposing forces, whether being mixed-race, bisexual, or overtly political and softly vulnerable. She began performing alongside Riit in 2019. The “half-Chinese, half-militant, half-rapper of your heart” plays between hazy R&B, hip-hop, jazz and electronic.
Kristen Ungungai-Mownak
Kristen Ungungai-Kownak is originally from a family rooted in Baker Lake and has proudly called Iqaluit home for nearly two decades. She works with the Government of Nunavut under Sivumuaqatigiit, supporting Inuit Employment Initiatives, and is currently on maternity leave, spending time with her two children, Hudson and Wynter. A passionate cultural advocate, Kristen has been throat singing for 16 years, sharing and celebrating Inuit tradition through her voice. Kristen began collaborating with Riit on stage in 2021. They blend electro-pop with throat singing, showcasing a refreshing fusion that highlights the innovative potential of traditional music in the contemporary world. Their partnership not only celebrates their cultural heritage but also brings a unique sound to the music industry. Together, they showcase how brand new it is, as it is ancient.
Taes Leavitt
Taes has spent the last 20 years creating television and stage content for children as half of the Award Winning children’s music duo, Splash’N Boots. As “Boots”, Taes has co-written and co-produced 13 original studio albums (over 150 songs), winning 2 Juno Awards and receiving 8 nominations for her work. She has also performed with the Wiggles and made an episode for Sesame Street. Her newest venture is The Big Heart Journey, a program that teaches children science backed resiliency techniques so they can learn to understand and regulate their emotions.
Splash'N Boots
Splash’N Boots, the beloved Canadian children’s music duo of Nick Adams (Splash) and Taes Leavitt (Boots), have been spreading joy through their music for over 20 years. Through their infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics, what originally began as a school project, has become a staple in the lives of families across the world, bringing smiles to music lovers of all ages.
Their latest album, Pencil Lines, takes listeners on an adventure through themes of magic, wonder, love, friendship, and emotional growth. The album seamlessly melds genres spanning from folk to ska, employing playful rhythms and engaging melodies to create one of their most creative and heartfelt albums yet. “This album feels like a return to the heart of what Splash’N Boots is all about—capturing moments of joy, connection, and wonder,” says Nick Adams. “It’s a celebration of love and the magic of childhood, made to get children and their families up, dancing, and experiencing the same love of music together.”
At their core, Splash’N Boots strive to create a world where every child feels seen, heard, and loved for who they are. With Pencil Lines, they invite families to celebrate the wonder of childhood together, reminding everyone that there’s always a little bit of magic waiting to be discovered. As Taes Leavitt puts it, “We wanted to make something that feels timeless, that people can return to over and over, like the pencil lines we use to mark our growth on the walls. Every song has a little bit of magic in it.”
With their hit TV show on Treehouse TV and Disney Jr. Canada, Splash’N Boots have appeared daily in over 8.5 million homes across Canada. They have also recently written and produced an episode for Sesame Street.
In addition to their own original music, Splash’N Boots have collaborated with a wide range of artists including Alice Cooper, Brett Kissel, Johnny Reid, Alan Doyle, Simon Ward of The Strumbellas, The Wiggles, and Sharon and Bram. Their music is enjoyed around the world, with millions of streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Needless to say, their impact on children’s music is profound and their commitment to shaping how families celebrate joy through song is unwavering.
Beyond their music, Splash’N Boots are committed to using their voice to raise awareness for important causes. They have supported and worked with organizations such as Sick Kids Hospital, Camp Ooch, Plus1, MusiCounts, Kids Up Front, and the Starlight Foundation. They are also the creators and stewards of a uniquely powerful pen pal program geared towards children with autism, called Lucas’s Letters, which encourages children of all ages and abilities to connect through letter-writing.
Through their music, television appearances, and advocacy work, Splash’N Boots continue to spread joy and positivity to children and families around the world.
Nick Paniyoak
Nick Paniyoak is a drummer extraordinaire and a respected member of the Cambridge Bay, Nunavut community. His exceptional drumming skills have earned him a reputation as a talented musician, known for his rhythmic abilities and passion for music. Nick’s influence and guidance have helped shape his grandson’s talent and enjoyment of drumming.Ashlee and Anthony Otokiak
Ashlee and Anthony Otokiak, also known as the Otokiak Brothers, are a talented duo hailing from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Both brothers are visually impaired, but that has not stopped them from showcasing their incredible musical abilities to audiences across the region.David Evalik
David Evalik is a seasoned guitarist from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, whose musical talent has remained vibrant throughout the years. Despite the passage of time, David continues to mesmerize audiences with his skillful guitar playing, showcasing his enduring passion for music.Annie Agligoetok and William Palvialok
Annie Agligoetok, originally from Bay Chimo, and William Palvialok, of Iqaluktuuttiaq, learned to drum dance by watching their parents from a young age. They are passionate about sharing their culture and passing on the knowledge they carry to young generations.Bob Aknavigak
Bob Aknavigak is a seasoned musician and lead singer who has been rocking stages since the 1970s. He was a key member of the band “Spiritual Sky” in Cambridge Bay, which was formed in the mid-70s when he and his bandmates were in their early 20’s. Bob continues to pursue his passion for music, singing and entertaining audiences with his powerful vocals. With a career spanning over four decades, Bob’s dedication to music and performance shines through in every note he sings.Garry Beattie
Garry Beattie picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and never looked back. With influences like Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, and Pete Townshend, he’s developed his own unique blend of blues and jazz that captivates audiences. Garry plays every day, constantly refining his craft and creating original music that resonates with listeners. Whether he’s improvising or reading sheet music, Garry’s passion and talent shine through in every performance. Recently, he had the pleasure of sharing his music at the Frolics festival in Cambridge Bay, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who heard him play.