Northern Haze
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Kolitalik Inukshuk, Naisana Qamaniq, James Ungalaq, Elijah Kunnuk, John Inooya |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2007; reformed in 2017 |
| Headquarters | Igloolik , Canada |
Area served | Arctic regions of Canada |
Key people | Kolitalik Inukshuk, Naisana Qamaniq, James Ungalaq, Elijah Kunnuk, John Inooya, Derek Aqqiaruq, Allan Kangok |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Parent | Aakuluk Music (since 2017) |
Northern Haze is a rock ensemble originating from Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada, notable for their 1985 eponymous debut, which stands as the earliest indigenous-language rock album recorded in North America.
The group was established in 1984 by Kolitalik Inukshuk, Naisana Qamaniq, James Ungalaq, Elijah Kunnuk, and John Inooya—all musicians active since the 1970s. Their initial release was distributed via the CBC Northern Service. To promote the album, they performed at various festivals such as Folk on the Rocks and Expo 86. Although they continued touring throughout Arctic regions, financial constraints related to recording expenses hindered the production of a second album; however, they did issue several singles.
Following the passing of Kunnuk and Inukshuk, the band dissolved in 2007. Later, in 2012, Supreme Echo Records compiled and released Sinaaktuq, which included their original album alongside the singles.
In 2017, the Nunavut-based label Aakuluk Music—owned by fellow band The Jerry Cans—reissued Northern Haze’s 1985 album and played a key role in reuniting the band. With new members Derek Aqqiaruq and Allan Kangok joining, they teamed up with producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda to release Siqinnaarut in 2018. This album received a nomination for Indigenous Music Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2020.
In 2023, James Ungalaq debuted his solo endeavor under the name qiyuapik with the album rebel music / E5-2143. The following year, he contributed to Echoes Of’s inaugural album, a side project led by Andrew Morrison of The Jerry Cans.