Daniel Annanack
b. 1967 Kangiqsualujjuaq, QC
I started carving when I was 14 or 15 years old. Daniel Annanack was a professional artist who taught carving when I was in the Individual Paths for Learning program. I used to watch him, and I tried my best to make carvings. I started with caribou antler and made carvings of belugas and walruses. Daniel gave me three huskies, so I could have a dog team. I had to take care of them, so I made and sold my first carvings to buy their food. Daniel told me about carving courses in other communities; I applied and was accepted to one in Akulivik, Nunavik, QC. The first day of the carving course, I got a Dremel and other tools I needed to become a carver. Daniel had many students, and I would help him teach carving. Later, I became a culture teacher at the school. I teach stone carving to students and they love it. I’d like to make a shack, so that I can teach people how to polish steatite. My wish is to help someone like Daniel helped me. I want to help my community, so I will try my best.