(Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook congratulates the artists of Cape Dorset who have earned the community the title of being Canada’s art capital over the last 50 years.

“I congratulate the artists of Cape Dorset on their achievement. Their work is found all over the world and their work represents us all as Inuit in a positive light.” said Eetoolook.

In 1959 the first cataloged print collection was exhibited at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario and was eventually exhibited at Rideau Hall receiving high praise from then Governor General, the Right Honorable George Vanier.

“It is amazing to see one small community print shop build such a prestigious reputation known worldwide for developing high-quality artwork. We often hear about the bleak history of the 50’s, but it is important to recognize the fruits of those dire times too and the Kinngait Studios is definitely a fruit to behold for our territory and for our entire country.”

Cape Dorset is often spoken of as ‘the capital of Inuit art’. For its size it has more artists than any other community in Canada.

“Art has always been important in our culture and society. Traditionally we didn’t have a writing system. Instead we expressed ourselves and documented our history through images, song, stories and dance. This part of our culture is still thriving and can be seen in the progress of the artwork from Kinngait over the past 50 years from the traditional mystical beings of the early collections to contemporary images in the newest collections.” concluded Eetoolook.