Regrettably, concrete evidence regarding the precise genesis and journey of textile printing to Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) is limited. However, Marybell Mitchell makes references to a silkscreen printing shop being set up in Kuujjuarapik (Great Whale River) in 1976 [1] [2].

Delving deeper into the narrative of Nunavik’s textile history, it is worthy to note experimentations in printing and on cloth in 1973 in Kuujjuarapik. In May of this year, Chinkok Tan, a visiting artist from Kuala Lumpur, introduced the silkscreen and batik technique to a select group of artists in Kuujjuarapik. Tan shared of the experimental period, “The Innuit artists showed enormous ability in mastering the new media of silkscreen in such a short time. I believe the spontaneity of the silkscreen technique will encourage experimentation and give free reign to the artist’s imagination, emotion and expression” [3]. Simultaneously, as mentioned, Tan introduced the Malaysian technique of Batik, a process of hand-dyeing fabrics by using wax to create designs on cloth so those parts don't absorb the dye [4].

Venturing into this historical context, we uncover a tantalizing possibility; Perhaps, in 1976, the artists of Arctic Quebec embarked on a groundbreaking journey of experimentation with silkscreening on cloth. If our inference is accurate, this work by Paulosie Sivuak is a rare testament to this innovative, experimental endeavour [5].

1. In the 1976 Povungnituk print catalogue, Marybelle Mitchell [Myers] writes, "Building upon their knowledge of various printing techniques, the facility there [Kuujjuarapik / Great Whale River] has since been converted to a silkscreen printing shop which provides T-shirts and other fabric products to northern co-ops. This marks the beginning of a move by Inuit to service local needs." (unpaginated).

2 In Marybelle Myers, Things Made by Inuit, (s.l, [Baie-D'Urfé, QC?]: La Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, 1980), p. 170: “…in 1976, the Great Whale River shop was converted into a fabric screening centre." It remained in this settlement until 1978, when it was transferred to Inukjuak (p. 170).”

3. As quoted in Marybelle Myers, “Introduction,” Print Arctic Quebec 1973 (II), (Ottawa: Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 1973), unpaginated.

4. In March to September 2021, Museum Cerny in Berne, Switzerland showed a collection of batiks made during this workshop.

5. It is worth noting that the Nunavik batiks were also shown in the 2021 show Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios at the Textile Museum of Canada in Toronto.