Artists

Originally from Coral Harbour and now based in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Simeon Dion was introduced to art by watching his father Marvin Dion carve and scrimshaw by hand. With encouragement to carve from his mother, Epiksaut Dion who is also a talented seamstress. Inspired by them and other mentors like Johnny Nakoolak, Leo Angotingoar, Mark Paniyuk, John Pameolik, Mikkituq Bruce and Tooma Netser, he learned the importance of planning, hand tools, and patience from a young age. His work spans carving, soapstone and marble sculpture, welding, jewelry-making, and drawing. Ivory is a favorite medium, valued for its durability and the way it changes over time, absorbing the natural oils of those who hold it. For Simon, art is about connection and gifting—he finds meaning in the joy his pieces bring to others, especially his daughters, who proudly wear his jewelry. Every piece he creates carries part of his story, rooted in tradition but shaped by his own journey as a maker and giver.

Haley Alakan White is an Inuk mixed-media artist from Kangiqtiniq (Rankin Inlet), Nunavut. She works with natural materials like antler, hides, bone, and fur to create culturally meaningful pieces rooted in Inuit tradition. Her practice is shaped by skills passed down from elders—sewing, beading, carving, and tufting—which she blends with contemporary approaches. Inspired by the land and the deep connection Inuit share with nature, her work honors traditional knowledge while embracing innovation. She is committed to sustainability, using every part of the materials she works with to respect the animals and the environment. Alakan is passionate about cultural preservation and community learning. Through workshops with youth and adults, she shares knowledge and techniques to strengthen cultural identity and pride. Her art bridges generations, celebrating Inuit heritage while passing vital knowledge forward.

Chelsea Tatty is an Inuk seamstress and artist from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. For over 15 years, she has been handcrafting traditional mitts using sealskin, leather, and different furs. Chelsea learned to sew from her grandmother, Emma Tatty, who passed down not only the skill but also the original patterns that Chelsea still uses today. Each pair of mitts reflects the teachings and traditions of her family, carrying forward knowledge that has been shared across generations. Chelsea’s dream is to teach young girls how to hand sew, just as her grandmother taught her, helping to preserve traditional Inuit sewing practices and empower the next generation of makers. Through her sewing, she honours her culture and shares the warmth of tradition with every stitch.

Sheepa Kusugak is an Inuk artist originally from Clyde River, but now resides in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. She specializes in handmade traditional slippers, combining materials like canvas, leather, sherpa, bias tape, fur, and skin to create warm, functional pieces rooted in Inuit tradition. Sheepa’s inspiration comes from her mother, a talented seamstress whose work she grew up admiring. That early exposure sparked a lifelong love for sewing. Her journey into slipper-making began unexpectedly during a visit to Clyde River to visit her older sister Raygelie. She asked her sister Raygelie for a pair of slippers and instead, her sister gave her a pattern and told her to start from the top. It was her first time making slippers, and she’s been making them ever since. Through her work, Sheepa honors her family, celebrates her culture, and contributes to the growing presence of Inuit art and design.