Qaunaq Mikkigak

Qaunaq Mikkigak was a carver, graphic artist, singer, dressmaker and writer from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU. Finding inspiration in the work of her parents, she took up drawing and carving as a child. With James Houston’s guidance in the 1950s, Mikkigak was convinced to try her hand at sculpting more seriously through employment at the co-op. Among her favourite subjects were women engaged in traditional activities, which she faithfully captured in her intimate sculptures [1]. While also an accomplished graphic artist, Mikkigak much preferred working with stone, favouring the three-dimensional quality of the medium [2].

Mikkigak’s creativity was channeled through a multitude of artistic practices. She started throat singing when she was three years old and performed professionally since 1970, singing for the Queen of England, prime ministers of Canada, and many other international dignitaries. Mikkigak also enjoyed making finely beaded amauti and had her jewellery showcased in the travelling exhibition, Things that Make Us Beautiful (1977–78) [3]. In addition, many of her drawings were translated into editioned works as part of the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection in the early to mid-1980s.

Mikkigak was passionate about imparting her knowledge and sharing Inuit culture with the next generation. As an elder in the community, she offered throat singing lessons and worked as a childcare provider at the local daycare. Known for her vibrant storytelling, Mikkigak co-authored two children’s books, Grandmother Ptarmigan (2013) and The Legend of the Fog (2011), presenting illustrated versions of traditional tales [4].

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Accomplishments:
1980, 1981 and 1986: Prints included in the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection.