by Cody Punter
Baker Lake
Gold mined from Agnico Eagle's Meadowbank mine near Baker Lake will be used to make a set of commemorative coins to mark Nunavut's 20th anniversary next year. The coins, which will be designed by Pangnirtung artist Andrew Qappik, will feature a ptarmigan, walrus, polar bear, bowhead whale and a narwhal, framed within the outline of a maple leaf.
“From the responsibly-mined gold, to the artist and his design, Canadians can be proud of this 100 per cent Canadian coin,” stated the Mint's Vice President of Sales Chris Carkner in a news release.
Gold from the Hope Bay mine in the Kitikmeot will also be used to make some of the coins.
1,500 of the 1/10 oz $20 pure gold coins will be made. Each one will retail $359.
Trade show applications
Kivalliq
The Kivalliq trade show is currently looking for artists and designers to take part in the annual event, which will take place in Rankin Inlet from September 24 to 26.
Artists selected for the show will get the chance to display their work during a one-day art market, in addition to a photography workshop focused on teaching participants how to capture their works on film for advertising purposes.
Designers and seamstresses will each be asked to provide a minimum of three outfits and a maximum of five. Models will be available in all sizes and items may be sold after the show is over.
People can apply to take part in both the art and fashion show. The deadline is July 27.
Kayak workshop
Arviat
Arviat will start hosting miniature kayak making workshops in the community this week. The workshops will be be led by local craftsman Charlie Anawtalik. They will run from 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday in July and will be open to boys aged 10 to 13 years-old.
There will also be a qaurutik workshop for girls between the ages of 10 to 13 starting in two weeks. Those workshops will be held every Monday in July except for the two holiday Mondays on Canada Day and Nunavut Day.
All workshops will be hosted at the visitor's centre.
New JP appointments
Arviat/Baker Lake
Arviat and Baker Lake each had a new community justice of the peace appointed to their community on June 21.
Brian Aglukark was appointed to the position in Arviat, while Charlie Tautuajuk was given the nod in Baker Lake.
Kiv artists representing at territorial arts festival
Iqaluit
A handful of artists from the Kivalliq were expected to take part in the Nunavut Arts Festival in Iqaluit this week.