It was discovered by the team of Brett Gladman, John J. Kavelaars, et al. in 2000, and given the temporary designation S/2000 S 6.

[3] Ijiraq is believed to be in Kozai resonance: its orbit is cyclically reducing the inclination while increasing the eccentricity and vice versa.

[5] While Ijiraq is a member of the Inuit group of irregular satellites,[9] recent observations revealed that it is distinctively redder than Paaliaq, Siarnaq and Kiviuq.

In addition, the Ijiraupian (Ijiraqan)[a] spectrum lacks the weak absorption near 0.7 μm, attributed to a possible water hydration, found in the other three.

Kavelaars contacted the author of the tale, Michael Kusugak, to get his assent, and the latter also suggested the names for Kiviuq and 90377 Sedna.