Nirlitt

About this piece: Nancy Mike is an Inuk multi-disciplinary artist who was raised in Pangniqtuuq, Nunavut (Tariurnittut). "Nirlitt", which means snow geese in Inuktitut, conveys the importance of leadership to take care of our land (nuna), the animals surrounding us and our people. Inuit have always protected our land through our way of doing and knowing, this piece conveys the leadership presented by our people long ago and today.

Artist Biography:

Nancy Mike was raised in Pangnirtuuq (Pangnirtung), Nunavut, and continues to maintain close ties with the community. She is a throat singer, songwriter, accordion player, visual artist, and writer and she is passionate about sharing stories of life growing up in Nunavut. Currently, Nancy lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and works as a Research Associate for Family & Community Health with Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre. She travelled around the world with a band called The Jerry Cans where her biggest passion was to empower other Indigenous people across the globe. Nancy is also an anaana (mother) to three beautiful girls and hopes to inspire them to love their culture and language and to embrace intellectual endeavours as Indigenous people themselves.