Explore Nunavut Art & Culture: Top 5 Must-See Spots

Looking to explore some fascinating artistic expression way up north? Nunavut, which is the largest and northernmost territory in Canada, too it’s almost a place where Inuit culture just breathes through pretty much everything. The art there is that vibrant, so in some respects it’s like a real reflection of a really rich heritage, stories passed down, plus, arguably, the amazing Arctic environment. From carvings to printmaking and storytelling, I mean, the territory offers a load of amazing experiences, it does, actually, and showcases this deep connection the Inuit have with their homeland. Basically, if you are into experiencing real culture, the kind that just sticks with you, then checking out these top five Nunavut spots seems essential.

1. The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, Iqaluit

Starting your Nunavut adventure there, the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit is often where lots of people get their introduction to Inuit artistry and background. I mean, the museum’s name, which translates somewhat to “a collection of beautiful things,” sort of sets the stage for a journey through cultural artwork and objects. Very different things, honestly. As I was saying, they are housed in a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and have loads of carvings, weavings, and historic photos, or so I have been told. A little treasure trove that really displays traditional and present-day Inuit lifestyles. What I love about that, is that you are able to, right, get insight on the narratives behind these creations. Getting deeper with Inuit culture makes you that much more in tune when engaging with it, is that right?

Thinking about heading over? First check out this: Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Iqaluit Full Review and Details. Take a peek for prices, when you can get in and available times (plan your visit!)

2. Inuksuk Point (Inuksuk Cultural Site)

Then next up, experiencing the amazing landscape plus just a touch of cultural significance involves paying a visit to Inuksuk Point, which is actually close to Naujaat, and seems almost iconic. First off, an inuksuk is often that human-like figure that seems to act as a navigational aid plus marker and message center. Basically, these stone figures were traditionally used for guidance by Inuit folks way back when. Seemingly, these iconic monuments were critical for life and for connecting all through the Arctic. In that case, seeing the huge number assembled there gives such a strong reminder of that connection people up north share with the land, a bond if you want. Seriously though, seeing how Inuit ancestors mastered just getting by, by just reading the lands’ signals for centuries…pretty spectacular I must say.

Thinking about heading over? First check out this: Inuksuk Point Nunavut Full Review and Details. Take a peek for prices, when you can get in and available times (plan your visit!)

3. Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts, Pangnirtung

A place to just see arts come alive happens up in Pangnirtung. The Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts serves very much as that community center for those into artistic pursuits. It is often a spot to showcase as well as generate Inuit artistry, you know? Then they feature stuff like carvings, tapestries, and prints. Often times those things express Inuit life and creativity really nicely, you know? Frankly, many say these workshops provide some crucial insight into the artistry practices there plus stories ingrained, actually. I mean, when you get there it shows you how tradition melds a bit with artistic license these artists incorporate. What do you make of that?

Thinking about heading over? First check out this: Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts Nunavut Full Review and Details. Take a peek for prices, when you can get in and available times (plan your visit!)

4. The Great Northern Arts Festival, Inuvik (though technically NWT, culturally relevant)

Although it isn’t smack-dab in Nunavut—it actually lives a little further west within Inuvik (Northwest Territories) at just a skip from the border—the Great Northern Arts Festival provides huge cultural substance. I mean, because it highlights artistry throughout all that northern region of Canada, you see that? Seriously though, this arts fest shows how indigenous people, for instance Inuit plus First Nations artisans, and even others share background plus experiences, is that right? That event gives some really excellent peeks into various practices. Like, sculptures and photography, or musical performance art or story-telling, I swear it showcases so much talent while strengthening the awareness too of art as part of life that just reflects their existence, it’s very apparent if you go. The exposure helps too for artists on display who just are ready to have people see the depth in each piece they make.

Thinking about heading over? First check out this: Great Northern Arts Festival Inuvik Full Review and Details. Take a peek for prices, when you can get in and available times (plan your visit!)

5. Local Craft Shops and Galleries

What? I have one more? Yep. Truly getting a grip with Nunavut just requires exploring the culture deeply while digging around shops there and galleries up north which just exist scattered amongst little spots as well as regional art-exhibits. Seriously though, there you are able to uncover carvings or prints—or handmade jewelry showing distinct artwork crafted by local craftspeople and artisans. Just imagine, I mean, visiting galleries offers that opportunity too for dialoguing while possibly creating relations right then plus there, helping people to purchase straight from the artisan right when appreciating what went into what they do which offers very specific help, right?

Thinking about heading over? First check out this: Local Craft Shops Nunavut Full Review and Details. Take a peek for prices, when you can get in and available times (plan your visit!)

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