Henry Nakoolak

Artist Bio: Henry Nakoolak (b. 1966)

Henry Nakoolak is a carver who, unlike many of his contemporaries, did not learn the art and craft of carving as a skill passed down from other family members. He is self taught and mentions that the only other family member who carved was his mother, Uqajuituq, who carved miniatures out of walrus teeth as a hobby.

Nakoolak’s artistic career started in 1988 when he began selling his carvings to the nearest Co-op. He is widely collected both nationally and international and was born and resides in Coral Harbour; a small community on Southampton Island, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut.