Inuk artist’s copper pendants make bold statements

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)


There’s no law against artistic expression

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)

Stepping out for prom night

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)

Father’s Day at Alianait

Dustin Neil and his children, one-year-old Madison Neil and three-year-old Jackson Neil, enjoy a Father’s Day outing at the Alianait Arts Festival grounds in downtown Iqaluit on Sunday morning. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Hip hop meets accordion at Alianait

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)

Red Arrows land in Iqaluit on way to U.S.

The U.K.’s Royal Air Force Red Arrows sit on the tarmac June 18 at the Iqaluit Airport as the aerobatic display team makes its way to the east coast of the U.S. for six airshows this summer. (Photo by Mosha Folger)

Fun at day camp

Igloolik camp co-ordinator John Paul Kangok, front, participates in a summer camp training exercise Wednesday at the Arctic Winter Games arena in Iqaluit. He’s one of more than 100 youth and hamlet staff from across Nunavut who are attending the four-day-long training event, run by the Jays Care Foundation in partnership with Recreation and Parks Association of Nunavut. Kangok is pictured, front to back, with RPAN youth leader Chloe Quassa, Kinngait recreation co-ordinator Saagiaq Pudlat and youth leader Ian Iqqaqsaq. (Photo by Mosha Folger)