Updates and highlights from the world of Inuit art and culture
Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory Wins the Sobey Art Award
Kalaaleq ar tist Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory has been named winner of the 2021 Sobey Art Award. The multidisciplinary ar tist, poet, curator and uaajeerneq (Greenlandic mask dance) performer is the second Inuk to win the prestigious $100,000 prize in its 20-year histor y, following Annie Pootoogook in 2006.
The announcement was made on November 6 at an in-person ceremony at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, ON. Williamson Bathory came up on stage, laughing with infectious delight, before turning serious, asking those present to quietly make eye contact with each other and to remember not just their own children, but “the thousands and thousands of Indigenous children buried in all the homelands all over this country.” She continued, “We have to hold these children inside us, always and forever. To me, this is our ar t...”
When asked by the IAQ following the event whether she had any projects that the award would help facilitate, Williamson Bathory said, “What I’ve really been able to show to my family, the community and even the ar ts in general is that I’m able to provide for my family as an ar tist. And it should be a viable option for ever ybody. I am ver y proud that I’m able to raise my two children as healthy and strong individuals by making ar t.”
Ottawa Park Officially Named After Annie Pootoogook
The newly named Annie Pootoogook Park was of ficially unveiled in honour of the late ar tist Annie Pootoogook in Ot tawa, ON. The park, which is located in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, was filled with approximately 200 people to witness the park-naming ceremony and plaque unveiling. The celebration coincided with International Inuit Day on November 7.
The ceremony was hosted by Rideau-Vanier Councillor Mathieu Fleur y, who emphasized the impor tance of this moment for the Inuit community. Governor General Mar y Simon was in attendance and gave a speech in honour of Pootoogook’s legacy, highlighting her personal connections to the ar tist ’s work. Other memorable moments included a recorded speech from Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq, a drumming performance by Sheena Akoomalik and her family as well as a throat-singing performance by Annie Aningmiuq and Kendra Tagoona.
The crowd of onlookers included members of Pootoogook’s family and others who knew and loved Pootoogook or were impacted by the ar tist in some way. For members of Pootoogook’s family that live in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU, the event was live streamed.
Heather Igloliorte Awarded Royal Canadian Academy of Arts Medal
On November 27, the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA) awarded Dr. Heather Igloliorte the RCA Medal. The RCA Medal is awarded annually in recognition of significant contributions by individuals in the field of ar ts and culture. The ceremony was held online via Zoom.
“I was surprised and very honoured to hear I would be receiving this medal, and I am so grateful to the members of the RCA for this recognition,” says Iglolior te of the win. “I think it speaks to the appreciation of the impact that Inuit are having across all aspects of the ar ts today. The ar t world is taking notice of how we are collectively steering the conversation on, and [in the] direction of, our own ar tistic practices.”
Igloliorte is an Inuk scholar, independent curator and art historian from Nunatsiavut. She is an Associate Professor and University Research Chair at Concordia University in Montreal, QC. In addition to her roles at Concordia, Iglolior te is current President of the Board of Directors at the Inuit Ar t Foundation and Director of the Inuit Futures in Ar ts Leadership: The Pilimmaksarniq / Pijariuqsarniq Project, which aims to empower the next generation of Inuit leaders in the ar ts through hands-on training and mentorship.