The territory’s creativity and spirit shine this week, in traditional sewing on the world stage, in made-in-Nunavut books children and their parents love to read, and a community dances.
Pond Inlet’s Meeka Atagootak is one of 14 seamstresses from across Inuit Nunangat who created one-of-a-kind anoraks, parkas and traditional amauti-style jackets for men, women and children under Canada Goose’s top secret Project Atigi, which was unveiled in New York City Feb. 1.
Canada Goose’s new Project Atigi line showcases Inuit seamstresses
Nunavut
Inuit seamstresses from across Inuit Nunangat made a huge splash in the fashion world Feb. 1 when Canada Goose unveiled its Project Atigi in New York City, a project the company calls a social entrepreneurship program.
Under absolute secrecy, 14 seamstresses were supplied with an identical kit of fixings, trims and materials, including several different colours of ArcticTech fabric, according to the company.
“The women were also given the option of including our iconic fur trim on their parka. Each seamstress created her own personal pattern and design, using detailing and embellishment to make it her own,” stated Canada Goose.
Nunavut seamstresses included Pond Inlet’s Meeka Atagootak and Rebecca Killiktee, Arviat’s Chantel Kablutsiak, Kristy King and Jackie King, Sanikiluaq’s Eileen Arragutainaq, and Iqaluit’s Marlene Watson and Mishael Gordon.
“Canada Goose was built in the North and we have a responsibility to be a meaningful part of the community that we call home. For more than 10 years, Arctic stewardship has been woven into the fabric of our business and Project Atigi is our way of leveraging our entrepreneurial success to expand theirs,” stated Canada Goose president and chief executive officer Dani Reiss.
All proceeds from the sale of the collection will go to Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, to further research, advocacy, public outreach and education.
Starting early February, the Project Atigi collection is showcased in Canada Goose stores around the world and available for purchase on canadagoose.com.
Book signing draws crowd
Iqaluit
The annual book event held in Iqaluit featuring Nunavut authors, co-hosted by Inhabit Media and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) was a success once again, as avid readers streamed in and out of the city’s Frobisher Inn.
As with last year, readers lined up to buy books from noon to 3 p.m., and authors were on hand to sign their works.
“It went really well. We had a great turnout,” said Inhabit Media’s Pia Flamand.
Susan Aglukark joined Inhabit Media’s authors this year, with her children’s book Una huna? What is this?
Germaine Arnaktauyok was a hit, with a new publication and a collection of prints for sale.
“We’re looking forward to doing it all over again in Rankin on Saturday,” said Flamand.
Leah Mike, left, daughter of Inhabit Media author Nadia Mike, joined author Aviaq Johnston as part of a large group of Nunavut authors gathered for a book event co-hosted by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in Iqaluit Feb. 2.
Pang dances
Panniqtuuq/Pangnirtung
Throughout the second half of February and all of March, anyone interested in learning how to jig and dance in Inuktut are invited to join in on classes two night a week.
The classes are for all ages and will be taught by Chitee Kilabuk.
The last class will feature a jig contest, after which the public will be invited to join in on the dancing.
“Let us be proud of our children, youth, adults and elders, and encourage healthy living,” stated community elder coordinator Luii Qaapik.
The classes take place at the community centre every Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m.
