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.
