Iqaluit-based artist Barbara Akoak, right, stands beside three oxidized copper pendants with her child Percy Akoak, on June 11. The pendants, which Akoak made, are featured in the Qillaniq exhibition of circumpolar art at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Titled Ancestral Love; Angunatsiuviit?, or “Are you a hunter?”; and F*ck who you want, It’s your body, the works reflect themes of consent, bodily autonomy and Inuit culture. “To be among so much talent — people for whom this is also their full-time job, or what they’re naturally gifted at — I was so emotional and so proud,” Akoak said. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Akoak)
Sophie-Mae Panesar, 3, paints over the RCMP badge on a police truck Saturday as part of a children’s event hosted by officers at the Alianait Arts Festival in Iqaluit. The badge is inscribed with the motto, ‘maintiens le droit,’ or ‘uphold the right’ in English. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Grade 12 graduates, from left to right, Jason Anilniliak, Duncan Mearns, and Jaxson Gillis, and Grade 10 student Jayden Lewis, are dressed for the Inuksuk High School prom on Saturday night. The dance was held at Aqsarniit Hotel. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Hip hop artist Jacob Okatsiak of Arviat brings out an accordion Thursday evening at the Storehouse Bar in Iqaluit, during the Alianait Arts Festival jam. He is backed by drummer Blair Williams. The festival continues through Sunday. (Photo by Daron Letts)