OTTAWA, September 17, 2021 – Pauktuutit’s Advisory Committee on the MMIWG commemoration project gathered virtually on September 16, 2021, to review the proposals from Inuit seamstresses across Inuit Nunangat for the Red Amauti project and selected the four seamstresses who will be responsible for designing and sewing four regionally distinct amautiit. As well as the four, an additional seamstress has been selected to create a “statement piece” that compliments the others by honouring our Elders and the sharing of traditional knowledge.
Pauktuutit received 11 submissions, five from Nunavut, and two from each of the following regions: Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit.
The selected seamstresses are:
- Eunice Tunraluk from Arctic Bay, Nunavut
- Sarah Samisack from Inukjuak, Nunavik
- Heather Angnatok from Nain, Nunatsiavut
- Shirley Elias from Inuvik, Inuvialuit
- Statement Piece: Nancy Pukinaq Aupaluktuq from Baker Lake, Nunavut
The Advisory Committee made the final selection using a point-rating guide, in which each proposal was granted points based on experience, cost, knowledge translation, and vision.
Through this Red Amauti project, missing and murdered Inuit women will be honoured. By raising awareness, we pay tribute to our loved ones while encouraging everyone to break the cycle of violence against Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
“Thank you to all of the seamstresses that submitted proposals and project ideas. We were impressed by the beautiful work that so many Inuit women shared with us. I also want to thank the advisory members for their time and thoughtful consideration for our selected seamstresses. This project is more than just showcasing the talents of Inuit women, while also remembering and honouring those that are missing or have been murdered.” said Rebecca Kudloo
We envision housing our specially designed collection in cultural centres across Inuit Nunangat and Canada. When the project is complete, we will announce where the amautiit will be displayed.
Pauktuutit has contacted the selected seamstresses with specific details regarding the project. We would also like to recognize all the seamstresses who submitted proposals for their willingness to participate.
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Cathie Whittaker: 613-238-3977 Ext. 271 / cwhittaker@pauktuutit.ca