Olympic Hockey Broadcasts in Inuktitut Achieve Streaming Success
The vibrant culture of Inuit broadcasting gained recognition during the Winter Olympics as Pujjuut Kusugak and David Ningeongan made history by providing hockey commentary in Inuktitut. Their work during the men’s hockey quarterfinal match at Milano Cortina 2026 marked a significant milestone for Indigenous representation in sports.
Historic Commentary in Inuktitut
During a crucial quarterfinal matchup against Czechia, Canada triumphed in a nerve-wracking overtime, with Kusugak and Ningeongan narrating the event in their native language. Ningeongan mentioned the emotional intensity of the game: “It was a really stressful last few minutes of the third period.” Both commentators expressed pride in bringing Olympic sports to viewers in Inuktitut, highlighting the importance of the language in their work.
Growing Audience for Inuktitut Hockey Commentary
- Kusugak and Ningeongan began their commentary for CBC during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.
- They attracted over 110,000 video views across various platforms, surpassing these numbers during the current Olympic games.
- Fans have actively engaged with their commentary on social media using the hashtag #InuktitutHockey.
Their success has encouraged non-Inuit viewers to tune in, many of whom appreciate the energy of the broadcast, even without understanding the language. Ningeongan acknowledged this increasing interest, stating, “The energy is there, and we’re always excited to be part of the team.”
Engaging Community Through Language
The commentary team’s approach emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. Kusugak and Ningeongan adapt their dialogue to reflect various Inuktitut dialects, fostering connection among viewers. They frequently consult their fan base for translations of hockey terms, enhancing accessibility for listeners.
- “Penalty” in Inuktitut: “Tigujaujuq” (ᑎᒍᔭᐅᔪᖅ)
- “Puck” was originally “Aqsannguaakuluk” (ᐊᖅᓴᖖᒍᐊᑯᓗᒃ) but is now referred to as “Pak” (ᐸᒃ).
- “Icing” was translated to “Sipkutijut” (ᓯᑉᑯᑎᔪᑦ).
This collaborative effort promotes both hockey excitement and Inuktitut language preservation, aiming to inspire future sports commentators in their communities.
Hockey’s Role in Inuit Culture
Hockey holds a cherished place in Inuit communities, with both Kusugak and Ningeongan actively participating in the sport as players and coaches. They noted the profound impact of broadcasts on youth, as well as the revitalization of the Inuktitut language in daily life. Ningeongan remarked, “We’re losing our language, and so we’re really doing our best to promote the Inuktitut language.”
As they continue to commentate on hockey games for APTN and CBC, both announcers hope to inspire other Indigenous people to embrace their cultures through sports. Their dedication to the Inuktitut language and commitment to community engagement make their role in the Olympics a remarkable achievement.
