Agnes Nanogak Goose (1925-2001) was a prominent Inuit artist known for her vibrant and dynamic illustrations and prints that often depicted traditional Inuit myths and legends. Born on Baillie Island in the Northwest Territories, Nanogak was influenced by both her father's Alaskan heritage and her mother's Copper Inuit roots. She spent much of her life in Holman (now Ulukhaktok), where she became a key figure in the local art scene.
Her career began in the 1960s when she contributed to the Holman Print Collection, making her one of the most prolific artists from the region. Nanogak's work is characterized by its fluidity, bold colors, and energetic compositions, reflecting scenes of Inuit life and folklore. She created over 200 prints during her lifetime and was involved in every annual Holman print collection from 1967 onwards.
Nanogak illustrated two notable books of Inuit stories, "Tales from the Igloo" (1972) and "More Tales from the Igloo" (1986), which helped preserve and share Inuit legends with a broader audience. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she received an honorary degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax in 1985, becoming the first Inuit artist to be so honored.
Her works have been featured in numerous exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and Europe, and are part of major collections in institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada and the Winnipeg Art Gallery
