Pamyua | Yup'ik drumsongs from Alaska | Homegrown Concert

Pamyua performs traditional Inuit (Yup’ik) drum-songs from Alaska with a distinct and unique American sound. Together for more than 15 years, Pamyua (pronounced Bum yo-ah) has entertained millions with their fusion of traditional Inuit music and Yup’ik dance performance. Founding members Phillip Blanchett, Stephen Blanchett and Ossie Kairaiuak are from the Yukon/ Kuskokwim River Delta region in southwestern Alaska. Pamyua found national recognition in 2003, winning Record of the Year at the Native American Music Awards, and is now considered a cultural treasure across the circumpolar north. Native People magazine praised their “blizzard of interlocking harmonies” and Alaska magazine rated them “one of the 10 greatest Alaska artists of the millennium.” The group has performed at distinguished events worldwide, including the grand opening of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian and the 25th Anniversary of Greenlandic home rule, which was attended by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Pamyua’s goal is to represent the enduring heritage of Inuit people. Their performances encourage audiences to appreciate indigenous traditions while relating ancient traditional wisdom to modern culture. Pamyua believes that unity is possible though music and dance, and the members interpret Inuit traditions masterfully with joy and sincerity. Pamyua also teaches and performs in schools, continuing their work to communicate interactively, broaden awareness, and inspire unity.

This concert is presented with support from the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

For transcript and more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-10298