The word ookpik (also spelled ukpik or ukpik) is the Inuktitut word for snowy owl. In 1963, the Fort Chimo Eskimo Co-operative (now Kuujjuaq) created a stuffed toy owl crafted from seal fur and other traditional materials. These owls were marketed under the name Ookpik and soon became so popular that the ookpik became something of a national mascot. Ookpiks were widely sold across Canada as popular souvenir items. Unfortunately, their success led to mass production using synthetic materials instead of fur, and Ookpiks ceased to be genuine handicrafts. Despite changing attitudes toward fur, vintage 1960s–70s sealskin ookpiks are now collectible items. This particularly attractive example features the addition of red fox fur, giving the owl a magnificent coiffure!