Continued Connections in Canada’s North

If you’ve followed the activity of the CCF/FCMA over the past year, you may have noticed a significant increase in activity with our partners in the North. Last summer, the CCF/FCMA ran our Annual Conference in Iqaluit, exposing the delegates to the realities of Nunavut’s Craft sector. In Winter 2012, we took part in Ottawa’s Northern Lights Conference and a strategic planning session for the Yukon Territory’s arts sector. For the first time ever, we expect to have representation from all three Territories at our upcoming Conference in Ottawa (October 2012).

This past week, the CCF/FCMA made yet another leap forward in our Northern collaborations. At the invitation of the Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association (NACA), the CCF/FCMA Administrative Director, Maegen Black, travelled to Iqaluit for the 2012 NACA Summer Festival.

From July 3rd to the 8th, Maegen was able to connect with artists, government representatives from trade, environment, economic development and cultural departments, gallery owners and Inuit Art gallery wholesalers. She took part in the Festival Trade Show, attended professional development workshops in social media, gallery representation and copyright, and participated in the annual Gala Dinner and Auction.

Continuing their work from the CCF/FCMA’s 2011 Conference, Tom Dean and Warren Gillis of PEI presented a second wood-turning workshop throughout the run of this year’s festival. Many artists returned to the workshop, and even more became interested in the potential cross-over between wood and stone turning. Even gallery owners and wholesalers expressed an interest in work which used the turning techniques. Tom and Warren will continue to work with NACA to build a more permanent turning facility in Nunavut, a process which has taken time and dedication from all involved, but may very well lead to a unique expansion in Inuit carving.

While each region of Canada is unique, representing diverse artists with varying levels of support, Nunavut and the other Territories face very different challenges. We recognize and celebrate these differences while we seek out ways to work together, ensuring inclusivity in our programming and advocacy activity.

Our presence in Iqaluit and Whitehorse has increased the level of understanding between all our partners, ensuring that the Northern regions are aware of the national opportunities we provide, while informing the CCF/FCMA and our Southern members of the potential to be found in Northern collaboration. Together, we can work to increase the number of and value of exchanges between the Provinces and Territories, to represent a truly Canadian Craft sector.

Our thanks go out to Rowena House, Justin Ford, and all the staff at NACA for making these continued networking opportunities possible. We look forward to working together on future projects, especially for Craft Year 2015.