An Expression of Inuit Unity and Regional Diversity: Celebrating Inuit Nunangat

Charlotte Karetak (Arviat, Nunavut)

The approach taken to create this coin design was unique -- why do you feel it was important for four artists to work together to jointly create a design celebrating Inuit Nunangat?

It was important for the four of us to work together on the design together to help represent all of Inuit Nunangat. Inuit are highly intuitive, and naturally skilled artists and think holistically. And so, creating the design together, was important because there was a lot of similarities in the story telling and language that we share with each other. And through that, we had a very good connection with each other while we were designing the coin altogether.

Nunavut are 25 communities and although there are no roads connected, there’s a strong sense of connection throughout the land, through the animals and through our culture and language.

What do you hope this coin will share about Inuit and Inuit Nunangat with people living in Canada?

I hope that it tells the story of Nuliajuk well and hope that we captured the essence of Nuliajuk and the land and animals that she represents. Story telling was and still is an important part of our culture because it helps build up problem solving, and ingenuity and character building. Those skills were important to have because it creates a human being and to be a human being is to be proactive and lead a practical lifestyle.

I think its important to have those characteristics in a small community where you engage with people around you on a day-to-day basis.

When people living in Canada find this coin in their change, what would you like them to reflect on?

I think I would like them to reflect on the fact that we live in such a beautiful territory and be reminded of the land. To be respectful of the land and animals and all that nature can offer. Especially to be respectful of each other and be reminded of the simple things in life that bring us together.

Why was Nuliajuk chosen as the design’s core element, and why is that story so important?

Nuliajuk was chosen as the design’s core because we all resonated with Nuliajuk and have heard of the story. In the beginning of the project, we had discussed potential designs and about what Inuit represent. Then it went down to the land, then to the animals then to story telling. We thought that it would be a great idea to do a design that would somehow all fit together in one. That’s how we had decided together to do a design on Nuliajuk. Inuit have always been good story tellers and had taught life lessons, principals and values through story telling.

From the stories and values that I have heard over time, there were principals Inuit followed: “Inuit Qaujimatuqangitnik” which translates to what Inuit have always known to be true. And to follow these set of principles was to lead to live a life that was in harmony with nature and amongst the people you live with for greater survival.

Similarly, why was it important to include four uluit on the coin’s outer ring?

There are different type of ulu designs depending on what you might be using the ulu for, and I believe that there are different types of ulu made from each region and in a way, those ulu on the coin represent each of us artist(s) from the different regions.

This traditional tool was used for many things. For instance, Inuit would preserve much of the animal and use as much as they can out of the animal carcass (depending on what they have caught) The bones would be used for tool making, sewing kits, and the handles for the ulu.

They would carefully skin off the fat and use the fat for the qulliq (a stone lamp) and the clothing would be sewn into hats, parkas, kamiks (boots), and snowpants. Inuit have endured long cold winters with the traditional clothing. Inuit also invented the qajaq which is known widely as kayak. They used seal skin because of its properties being waterproof.

The ulu is known as the woman’s knife because the women had a role to prep the meat and help cache the meat to preserve for the long winters. Not to say that it was a definite role played by women, all in all Inuit had always gathered as a community to help preserve for the long winters and engage where there may need help.

For the uluit (plural for more than one ulu) on the side of the coin, I hope it helps Inuit reflect on the fact that we are creative and innovative. We tend to find out ways to live our lives fit for our lifestyle. It is important to understand that we are sown and born with this identity, that is such a unique and rich thing to have in this world.

Tegan Voisey (Makkovik, Nunatsiavut)

The approach taken to create this coin design was unique -- why do you feel it was important for four artists to work together to jointly create a design celebrating Inuit Nunangat?

In my opinion it was important for four artists to work together to create this coin because of the significance of representing each area separately but also the representation of our unity. Inuit Nunangat could not be completely and wholly be represented by one region alone. This way there is representation and shows our shared experiences as well.  

What do you hope this coin will share about Inuit and Inuit Nunangat with people living in Canada?

I hope it will excite people into wanting to learn more about Inuit culture and the origins of our creation stories. I hope that it inspires continued unity in our communities and that this representation will help us feel even more passionate about our connection as Inuit. 

When people living in Canada find this coin in their change, what would you like them to reflect on?

I would love for them to see that we are still here, we are still living, practicing, teaching and re-learning our culture despite the adversities we have faced. 

Why was Nuliajuk chosen as the design’s core element, and why is that story so important?

Nuliajuk is a part of our culture, a story shared throughout Inuit Nunangat that teaches us lessons and is a creation story. It teaches us the importance of obeying natural laws and how it impacts our people to thrive. It also is a symbol of how even we are separate through different regions we have our culture, traditions and stories to connect us. 

Similarly, why was it important to include four uluit on the coin’s outer ring?

This important feature shows regional variations to the same essential tool. These features acknowledge and highlight the differences we have but also the connection we have with each other regionally and also individually. Our perspectives may differ, but we still share connection and are united.

Thomassie Magniok (Ivujivik, Nunavik)

The approach taken to create this coin design was unique -- why do you feel it was important for four artists to work together to jointly create a design celebrating Inuit Nunangat?

Since Inuit live throughout the vast country and have developed minor differences, our collaboration ensures a true representation of our identity.

What do you hope this coin will share about Inuit and Inuit Nunangat with people living in Canada?

I am hoping that the coin will remind everyone of the beauty of our culture that is worth celebrating and sharing with everyone.

When people living in Canada find this coin in their change, what would you like them to reflect on?

How much we value exploring each other’s rich culture and history.

Why was Nuliajuk chosen as the design’s core element, and why is that story so important?

Nuliajuk is an integral part of our culture, a story that resonates throughout Inuit Nunangat. It conveys important lessons and serves as animals creation story, emphasizing the significance of respecting natural laws for the well-being of our communities. Additionally, Nuliajuk symbolizes the connections that unite us, reminding us that despite our diverse regions, our shared culture, traditions, and stories bind us together.

Similarly, why was it important to include four uluit on the coin’s outer ring?

An uluk is an essential Inuit tool that is used in all of our communities regardless of our region, we thought it was important to represent different designs. Our uluit are made slightly different in each region but are all distinguishable from other tools. We Inuit have different dialects and practices, but we all live the same way.