Discover Sanikiluaq: A Haven of Inuit Culture and Art
Location and Natural Beauty: Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, nestled in the Belcher Islands of southeastern Hudson Bay, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine 1,500 islands spread across 3,000 square kilometers, where migratory seabirds, ducks, and geese find their special breeding grounds. The coastal waters teem with seals, walruses, and beluga whales. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts!
Incredible Handicrafts: But what truly sets Sanikiluaq apart is its vibrant Inuit culture and unique artistry. The women of Sanikiluaq are gifted seamstresses, creating exquisite dolls from fish skin and crafting parkas made of eider ducks. These wearable works of art blend tradition and innovation, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the land and sea.
Soapstone Carvings and More: Sanikiluaq’s talented artists also produce stunning soapstone carvings. The dark stone found on the Belcher Islands, known as argillite, becomes intricate sculptures in their skilled hands. And don’t miss the beautiful baskets made from lyme grass—a testament to the community’s creativity and resourcefulness.
Where to Shop: For a piece of Sanikiluaq’s soul, visit the Mitiq Co-operative. Here, you’ll find these remarkable artworks, each carrying the spirit of the land and the stories of generations. Whether you’re a collector or simply appreciate authentic craftsmanship, Sanikiluaq’s art scene awaits you.
Explore Sanikiluaq: where tradition meets contemporary expression, and where every creation tells a tale of resilience and reverence. Here are some highlights:
Art
The community is also known for its beautiful baskets crafted from lyme grass. These traditional grass baskets, called “qisiq,” showcase fine craftsmanship and often feature lids and handles carved from soapstone.
Beadwork holds a special place in Sanikiluaq’s vibrant culture.
Sanikiluaq carvers are renowned worldwide for their distinctive carvings made from argillite, a dark stone found on the Belcher Islands. These intricate sculptures often depict animals, spirits, and scenes from Inuit mythology.
Since its opening in 2011, Paatsaali School has become a town hub. It not only teaches traditional sewing but also encourages students to make parkas for themselves and others. These school-made parkas are not only warmer but also foster a sense of community and care
Parkas are a labor-intensive but rewarding project. Students learn stitching techniques and creative design. If a student has never sewn before, they start with simpler items like canvas gun sleeves or ice-packing bags. The goal is to create warm, customized parkas that teens feel proud to wear.
Art class is a hub of creativity. Students craft sealskin necklaces and birch mats for ice fishing. The birch mats were once a symbol of wisdom and a good life for women who used them while fishing. Today, students follow patterns to make sealskin mitts, kamiit (boots), and even parkas.
In Sanikiluaq’s Paatsaali School, students learn practical skills they can use immediately. In shop class, they create qamutiqs (sleds), eider-down cleaning boxes, and seal-hunting harpoons. These tools are essential for daily life in this island community, where seals play a crucial role in local diets
Sanikiluaq has justifiably been called the most artistic community in Canada, with approximately 22% of its labor force employed in the visual arts. Gifted seamstresses create stunning textiles, and talented artists produce soapstone carvings
Culture
In the eastern Canadian Arctic, Inuit consume a diet of foods that are fished, hunted, and gathered locally. This may include caribou, walrus, ringed seal, bearded seal, beluga whale, polar bear, berries, and fireweed.
Sanikiluaq fosters a sense of community through traditional practices, art, and shared experiences. The name “Sanikiluaq” comes from a folk hero named Sandy Kiluaq, who became one of the greatest hunters in the region.
Sanikiluaq had an eider down factory that closed in 2005 but reopened in 2015. Expert hunting, fishing, and soapstone carving contribute to the local economy.
Located north of the town, this park is a space for camping, cultural expression, and seasonal hunting. Archaeological remains from the Dorset and Thule cultures can be found here
The Inuit, Indigenous Peoples living in the Arctic regions of Canada, have thrived in this harsh environment for thousands of years. Traditionally, they relied on the land’s resources for survival. Their way of life involved hunting whales, seals, caribou, fish, and birds. These essential activities provided not only sustenance but also materials for clothing and shelter. While modernization has brought changes, many Inuit continue to harvest these resources, preserving their cultural heritage and connection to the land. Seal hunting, for instance, remains a crucial part of their existence, with the skin from recent kills being transformed into outerwear. Seal hunting, for instance, remains a crucial part of their existence, with the skin from recent kills being transformed into outerwear.
Inuit throat singing, also known as katajjaq, is a captivating vocal tradition unique to the Inuit people. Originating in the Arctic, it involves two women engaging in a close face-to-face duet, creating rhythmic patterns through specialized vocalization techniques. These guttural sounds imitate wind, water, animals, and everyday noises. Originally a form of entertainment while men were away on hunting trips, katajjaq now holds cultural significance, serving as a means of communication, entertainment, and cultural preservation among the Inuit community. Imagine the reverberation of ancient stories echoing through the icy landscapes, carried by the harmonious panting of these skilled singers