Born in Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit, Ningeosiak “Ning” Ashoona grew up in the community of Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset) after arriving to live on the land with her grandparents and extended family. Her grandmother, Mayoreak, was a defining figure in Ningeosiak’s life, teaching her how to carve mermaids and loons with traditional tools and techniques.
Ningeosiak is one of Kinngait’s only full-time female carvers, using both manual and power tools to carve delicate forms out of serpentine and stone. She finishes each of her sculptures off with a high shine to further accentuate their grace and elegance. Ningeosiak has participated in numerous exhibitions across Canada and internationally, and her work represented in major public collections such as the National Gallery of Canada.
