THE PROJECT Ulukhaktok, (Once known as Holman) home to 460 people, is nestled in picturesque Queen’s Bay surrounded by high bluffs on the western shore of Victoria Island. The landscape is often represented in the local art. The Community is alive with culture and tradition as many people are involved in drum dancing, producing a variety of soapstone and muskox horn carvings, ulus, as well as sewing a multitude of crafts and wall hangings. Ulukhaktok is internationally renowned for its “Holman Prints”.
This was the home of the Holman Cooperative, whose artists are recognized around the world especially for their printmaking. Intrepid golfers participate in tournaments on a nine-hole grassless course each summer. Others come to experience Ulukhaktok’s fascinating culture, participate in workshops, or meet the print makers and other artists. In February of 2008, the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) announced it was establishing a new subsidiary in partnership with the Ulukhaktok Artists Association. The subsidiary has re-opened the craft center and will build on Ulukhaktok’s longstanding arts and crafts tradition by producing and selling prints, crafts, carvings, qiviut products and other items. The goal of the project is to foster an economic environment that supports growth and diversification of the arts economy in Ulukhaktok, NWT, by providing training to older workers to produce a variety of handicrafts that lead to a sustainable livelihood. The project includes the following components: • Beginners Knitting • Advanced Knitting • Machine Knitting • Table Loom Weaving • Spinning • Computer Basics • Introduction to photography • Ready to Work North • First Aid & CPR, WHMIS, • Northern Most Host • Small Business & Self Employment Options |
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