Native Art Gallery


Polar Bear

Polar Bear

Artist: Enookie Saggiak

Community: Cape Dorset

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W7.0 x H 5.0 x D9.0

Reference: 106284


Regular price $1,200.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $1,200.00 CAD
Sale Sold

Polar Bear, Nanuq, called the "King of the North", is the greatest predator of the Arctic and a powerfully respected animal.  He is the one animal that is at home both on land and water.  He is built for his environment and has no troubles surviving the long, harsh winters. The polar bears of Nunavut tend to be solitary creatures, generally travelling alone in the winter. When you see two bears together, they are most likely siblings who have learned to hunt together with utmost success.

Some Inuit believe that how we live our lives affects what we become in the afterlife. Apparently, the best reward for a life-well-lived is to return in the form of the polar bear.  This is because the ‘King of the Arctic’, as he is endearingly called, is strong enough to survive the long, cold winters.

This piece is carved in honour of the animal itself; it celebrates the polar bear, his spirit, his strength, and his legend.  May he always be a source of inspiration.

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Enookie Saggiak

Enookie Saggiak is a contemporary Indigenous artist from the Inuit community, renowned for blending traditional art forms with modern techniques to address contemporary issues. Born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Saggiak's work is deeply rooted in Inuit cultural heritage and draws inspiration from the Arctic landscape, traditional storytelling, and communal values.

Saggiak's artistic practice spans various mediums, including printmaking, sculpture, and digital art. She is known for her innovative use of natural materials and traditional motifs to create pieces that resonate with both historical and modern audiences. Her work often explores themes of identity, environmental change, and the resilience of Indigenous cultures in the face of global challenges.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU), Saggiak has exhibited her work at major galleries and cultural institutions across Canada and internationally. Her exhibitions include solo shows at the Inuit Art Centre in Winnipeg and group exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History. Additionally, she has received several awards for her contributions to the arts and her efforts in promoting Indigenous voices through art.

Enookie Saggiak is also an advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. She frequently collaborates with community organizations to facilitate workshops and educational programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of Indigenous artists and cultural leaders.