News
Inuit Recognized for Outstanding Leadership in Ottawa
On June 19, 2017, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, ON, Governor General David Johnston awarded crosses and medals for Meritorious Service (Civil Division) to commend outstanding Indigenous leadership and to “raise awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, achievements and concerns”. Activist and filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril was presented with a Meritorious Service Cross for inspiring Inuit communities to reconnect with their ancestral values and traditions, while NHL hockey player Jordin Tootoo and traditional Inuit tattoo artist Hovak Johnston were each awarded Meritorious Service Medals. Along with Marjorie Tahbone of Alaska, Johnston is co-founder of the Inuit Tattoo Revitalization Project, which is credited with “inspir[ing] a new generation to carry on [the] tradition”.
Iconic Igloo Tag Trademark Transferred to the Inuit Art Foundation
The internationally recognized Igloo Tag Trademark, established in 1958 by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (now Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) to authenticate Inuit artwork, was officially transferred to the Inuit Art Foundation. Now led by Nunatsiavummiut Bryan Winters, this is the first time in the trademark’s history that it is being managed by Inuit directly. “It’s time for Inuit to take over this program,” explains Winters. “We need to determine for ourselves who we are and how we are represented. I look forward to assisting Inuit in creating a program that will allow us to be able to do that in our own image.” The transfer took place in an effort to increase the Inuit community’s ability to manage artmaking, both to benefit Inuit artists and to help preserve the value of Inuit cultural heritage. According to the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the “announcement highlights [that] the Government of Canada is committed to work in partnership with Inuit on subjects that matter to them. The Igloo Tag supports Inuit artists and culture, and I am pleased that it will now be managed by an Inuit-led organization.” Natan Obed, National Inuit Leader and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said, “ITK fully supports the Inuit Art Foundation taking administrative control of the Igloo Tag from the Government of Canada.” The Inuit Art Foundation looks forward to conducting widespread artist consultations as part of the Igloo Tag Trademark program to ensure the tag’s new administrative direction accurately reflects the needs of Inuit artists and their access to the market.
Reneltta Arluk appointed Director of Indigenous Arts at the Banff Centre
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity recently appointed actor and playwright Reneltta Arluk as its new Director of Indigenous Arts. Arluk, who is also the
founder of Akpik Theatre and the first Indigenous director to participate in the Stratford Festival, will be responsible for ensuring programs at the Centre meet the needs of Indigenous artists. “I am looking to open up spaces,” Arluk said. “I will be engaging mid-career to experienced artists [but also supporting] accessibility at the community level for the Indigenous communities that surround Banff, including the Stoney Nakoda, Tsuut’ina and Blackfoot. And although there have been good connections happening between the centre and the North, it will be a nice new focus to have an Inuit perspective. I’m interested in supporting collaboration on a national and international scale. And I’m excited that the Banff Centre wants to support that.” Arluk, who is of Cree, Dene and Inuvialuit descent, will join the centre beginning November 1, 2017.
Tanya Tagaq Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Laval University
Award-winning musician Tanya Tagaq, OC, was presented with an honorary doctorate in music by Laval University on June 18, 2017, for her achievements in paving new ground in the music industry. This is the second honorary degree for the artist, the first being from her alma mater the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2015. “It’s an enormous honour for me to receive this honorary doctorate,” said Tagaq in her statement. “My musical career, which started in 2001, has been built on 16 years of effort and perseverance. Today, I would like to thank Laval University for having helped me realize my dreams.”
Artist Michael Massie and Ellen Hamilton of Qaggiavuut! Receive Orders of Canada
Artist Michael Massie and artist and founding member of Qaggiavuut! Ellen Hamilton were recently appointed to the Order of Canada. Massie was made a Member to the Order for his work as a sculptor and silversmith, while Hamilton was appointed for her promotion of Inuit arts and culture. Massie has created clever and, at times, surreal pieces that have broken boundaries and helped to increase public attention on artists in Nunatsiavut. His work has been collected by major public institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada. Massie is an active supporter of the arts in his community, and continuously encourages and advocates for Inuit artists. Since 2008, Hamilton, who is a director, producer and musician, has been involved in creating space and being an integral advocate for performing arts in Nunavut. She also works with Inuit elders and educators to assist in bridging the gap between generations to ensure music, storytelling and dancing are passed on to future generations. She is currently spearheading Qaggiavuut!’s efforts to build a performing arts centre in Nunavut.
Jesse Tungilik Hired as New Executive Director of the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association
In May 2017, the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) hired Iqaluit-based artist Jesse Tungilik as its new Executive Director following the departure of NACA’s previous Executive Director, Rowena House, who announced her resignation in December 2016. Tungilik stated, “I look forward to using my experience as an Inuit artist to give voice to other artists who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity and to advocate for projects and initiatives that benefit Nunavut artists.” After a successful Nunavut Arts Festival that ran from July 4 to July 9, attended by both local community members and those travelling to Iqaluit for the festival, it looks as though he is already making a significant impact.