Creative Nunavut

A simple figurine, carved from soapstone, stands no taller than 45 cm (18 in). It depicts a lone Arctic hunter shouldering a dead seal—provisions in a harsh, frozen land. With its childlike appearance and smooth polished surface, this little sculpture appears somewhat naïve in craft and yet it's a venerable thing, full of wisdom and lore. It remains unfeigned by the world at large—political, financial or artistic.

A creation of the Inuit people of North America, there are thousands and thousands of others like it, each piece exemplary of those who created them. Whether carved from elk antler, ivory or soapstone, printed on fabrics or painted on animal hide, each plays a part in Nunavut's rich cultural heritage. They are relics of the past and continue to be fashioned to this day. They tell the long story of these amazing people and they confirm humanity's creative makeup.

The Origins
The Inuit people and their ancestors have lived in the Arctic, and what is now known as Nunavut, for over 4,000 years. As these enduring people learned to adapt to this severe northern climate, they have been shaped by their surroundings, instilling within their culture a deep appreciation and respect for this land and all of the creatures that inhabit it. It is a connection that can be traced through their history and seen in their creative arts.

Inukshuk of the Inuit 2

Up until the 1950s, the creative faculty of Nunavut was mostly unknown to the rest of the world. That all changed, however, when the first exhibition of Inuit art was held in Montreal in 1949. More than well received, it was a monumental show that launched Nunavut onto the international scene. Since its unveiling, this truly original art form has been shown, bought and sold in galleries across the world, shedding some light on a once mysterious culture and the land that bore it.

THE INUIT AND THEIR CULTURE

Created in 1999, the territory of Nunavut is a relatively new chapter in Canada's confederation, but the story of the Inuit people is as ancient as the land where they've come to reside. Their culture is authentic, casual and strikingly different from any other in the world. The people here have completely integrated customs and traditions into their lives that are totally foreign to anyone south of the Arctic Circle. A journey into the world of Inuit art sheds a little light on their unique way of life in the Land of The Midnight Sun.

	An Inuit Artist Polishes Her Craft 3

But it doesn't stop there. Many are active in the creation of fine art prints, tapestries, fabrics arts, jewelry, ceramics and paintings. In fact, over 27% of the population is involved in the production of visual art. Every community has a handful of skilled artists producing original works and each region has its own distinct artistic specialty.

Cape Dorset and Kimmirut carvers are recognized for the details and realism of their sculptures while the hard stone used in Arviat and Baker Lake yields an art form that's more abstract than the rest. The artisans of Repulse Bay specialize in clothing while those of Baker Lake use precious metals and local organic materials to forge their craft. Then there's Rankin Inlet, the only community in Nunavut that's widely known for producing Inuit ceramics.

Where to See It
Following recent successes, a thriving economy has emerged in the territory of Nunavut—an art scene dedicated to fostering local artisans and promoting their work. This movement includes a number of public museums and private galleries plus regional visitor centres and many local businesses.

The villages of Pangnirtung, Baker Lake, Pond Inlet and Cape Dorset each have world-renowned artist co-operatives where visitors can watch print makers and weavers at work. In Cambridge Bay, the Nunavut Arctic College gives many naturally talented artists the chance to develop their skills in jewellery, metalwork and textiles.

An Inuit Artist and His Art 4

MUSIC AND PERORMANCE

As with many ancient cultures, Nunavut's identity remains intertwined with music, story telling and dance. Though their traditions have suffered the same declining fate as many of the world's aboriginal cultures, Inuit drum dancers and throat singers can still be seen telling the stories of hunts, travels and gods that were told a thousand years ago.

Throat Singing
The deep, resonating tones of a traditional throat singer is an unmistakable sound, heard in only a few places around the world, including Tibet, Mongolia, South Africa and Northern Canada. This ancient technique differs from normal singing in that one person can produce two or more notes simultaneously. Usually performed by two women facing each other, and nowadays by a few men too, throat singing was once forbidden by Christian priests. It has resurfaced in the last 20 or 30 years and has even been introduced into mainstream media by singers like Tanya Tagaq and Madeleine Allakariallak.

Drum, Dance, Song and Story
For centuries, the drum dance has been central to social gatherings of the Inuit people. Originally a spiritual practice, this rhythmic tradition was once a way to contact spirits of the hunt or for protection. However, since Christianity and the modern world have influenced the Inuit to abandon their shamanistic practices, the drum dance has became more of a community and social event. It can happen at just about any gathering, including births, weddings, funerals and celebrations of successful hunts and it can offer a unique insight into Nunavut's heritage. Oral traditions are still very much alive in Inuit culture too. A custom that includes tales passed down over the centuries—stories about powerful spirits that inhabit the land and sea—and singing. Most adults have their own personal song that defines who they are and most will sing these songs during a drum dance ceremony.

As elders pass their knowledge on to the young, they carry on the legends, culture and customs of the Inuit people. These have been a continuing source of inspiration for Inuit artists and communities and, in recent years, have become a unique treat for visitors.

	Aurora Borealis Lights Up the Northern Skies 5

The days, months and years in the north have always been marked by celebration. When the long winter begins to lift, when the herds of caribou, schools of fish and flocks of ducks return, there is reason to celebrate. These annual events are a great way for tourists to lean about and enjoy the Inuit culture, arts and crafts.

Toonik Tyme
April - Iqaluit
Toonik Tyme is the largest annual festival in Nunavut. An Iqaluit community tradition since 1965, it's a way for local residents and tourists from all over to celebrate the return of the sun. The event is known for its jam-packed, week-long schedule that includes traditional Inuit activities such as igloo building, dog team races, Inuit games, a seal skinning contest and other activities not to be missed.

Arctic Food Celebration
June - Iqaluit
Held in the beginning of June at the Frobisher Inn, the Arctic Food Celebration provides a once-in-a-year opportunity to sample a full range of Nunavut delicacies. The menu includes Mattaaq (whale blubber), caribou stew and Arctic char.

Alianait Arts Festival
June - Iqaluit
This annual Nunavut Arts Festival, held in Iqaluit, features the full spectrum of artistic talent unique to these parts. Everything from film and theatre productions to art displays and concerts are easily accessible as the event assembles visual artists from all of Nunavut's communities. During the week there are workshops, demonstrations by artists, portfolios and bios created for artists attending, exhibitions and sales.

Inummarit Music Festival
September - Arviat
Come September, the year of festivals comes to an end but not before the Inummarit Music Festival lights up Arviat. This annual, four-day musical event brings together members of the community and visitors from all over to enjoy the talents of this distant land.

NUNAVUT KNOWN

Everywhere in Nunavut, there is evidence of the Inuit's creative nature, each region with its own craft, each form with a unique style and each of the artists with their own voice. It's been like that—in this land at the end of the world—since the beginning of time and only now is it being seen world wide.