ᖃᓄᖅᑑᕐᓂᖅ – Qanuqtuurniq

From coding to community art projects, Inuit youth are demonstrating Qanuqtuurniq every day. They are finding creative solutions to modern challenges. Their ingenuity and determination are inspiring.
From coding to community art projects, Inuit youth are demonstrating Qanuqtuurniq every day. They are finding creative solutions to modern challenges. Their ingenuity and determination are inspiring.

Being innovative and resourceful.

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) is wisdom passed down through generations, guiding Inuit in their interactions with the world and each other. One of the core values is Qanuqtuurniq – being innovative and resourceful in finding solutions. This isn’t just about finding clever solutions to problems; it’s about embracing ingenuity and adapting to ever-changing circumstances.

Qanuqtuurniq is deeply ingrained in Inuit culture, where survival often depended on finding creative solutions to challenges posed by the harsh Arctic environment. From crafting intricate tools from available materials to navigating treacherous ice floes, Inuit have always demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness. This spirit of innovation continues to thrive today, evident in the innovative approaches Inuit are taking to address contemporary challenges such as climate change and food security.

For artists, Qanuqtuurniq translates to pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with new techniques and materials, and finding innovative ways to express themselves. It’s about embracing experimentation, learning from failures, and adapting to new challenges. Whether it’s finding new ways to tell stories, utilizing unconventional materials, or developing innovative approaches to community engagement, Qanuqtuurniq inspires artists to think outside the box and create something truly unique.

Tony Eetak

Tony Eetak is an emerging artist, musician and culture connector from Arviat, Nunavut, now exploring the arts in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A founding member of the Art Borups Corners, Tony has a demonstrated passion for photography, music, composition, and visual arts. With over five years of experience as a dedicated volunteer, collaborator and co-funder of several arts projects, Tony has been involved in various participatory arts events through organizations like the Arviat Film Society, Global Dignity Canada, Inclusion in Northern Research, and Our People, Our Climate. His contributions earned him recognition as a National Role Model by Global Dignity Canada in 2023. His work has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council and the OpenAI Researcher Access Program.