Riit, a renowned vocalist, initiated a social media initiative to mark the festive season and provide companionship to those feeling isolated during the celebrations. Dubbed “25 Days of Gratitude,” the project commenced on December 1, 2025, and extended until Christmas Day.
Every day, Riit shared a photo on TLS Nunavut’s Facebook page, coupled with a narrative of an element of her heritage that she cherishes. TLS Nunavut is an online non-profit organization focused on promoting mental well-being among the Inuit Nunangat community.
“In celebration of the season, we have designed a gratitude calendar to share with you. Each day, we will spotlight something to be thankful for within our Inuit culture—our customs, our traditions, our way of life, and the individuals who support us. These brief moments of introspection serve as a means to reconnect with what anchors us, what empowers us, and what shapes our identity,” Riit expressed on Facebook at the commencement of the campaign.
Originally from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut, and currently residing in Ottawa, Riit is a performer and TV presenter known for her electropop music featuring Inuktitut lyrics and profound rhythmic vocals. Her music has received nominations at prestigious events such as the Junos, the 2020 Polaris Music Prize, and the 2020 SOCAN Songwriting Prize.
In an interview with CBC News, Riit discussed the inspiration behind the 25 Days of Gratitude and her aspirations for the future.
The idea for the 25 Days of Gratitude stemmed from a meeting in November with Riit’s supervisor, Salimah, who shared a graphic illustrating things to appreciate. This inspired Riit to enhance the concept with a cultural twist, focusing on highlighting one aspect daily from their heritage that has endured over time, fortifying their culture.
Reflecting on the importance of acknowledging gratitude, Riit emphasized the need to remind today’s youth of the richness present within their culture amidst the prevalent social media influence showcasing life differences between northern and southern Canada.
Selecting which facets of her life and culture to showcase posed a challenge due to the abundance of options. Riit aimed to spotlight inventions by their forebears that sustained them in the past, like lluvigaq, animal skins, and the qullliq (oil lamp), showcasing their resourcefulness despite limited materials.
Through the 25 Days of Gratitude, Riit aimed to prompt individuals, especially those facing hardships, to pause and appreciate even the simplest things, fostering a sense of gratitude. The initiative received positive responses, with original images contributed by people across Nunavut enhancing the project’s impact.
Riit’s ultimate goal with the 25 Days of Gratitude was to encourage moments of thankfulness amid the challenges faced by Inuit communities, offering a reminder that amidst difficulties, beauty and positivity persist within their culture and surroundings.