Paulatuk’s David Ruben Piqtoukun wins the 2022 Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts

March 10, 2022

Image: Prints by David Ruben Piqtoukun left to right "The Shaman's Dream", "As the Sun Sets" and "A Bountiful Supply."

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation congratulates Paulatuk’s David Ruben Piqtoukun for winning the Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts.

Ruben Piqtoukun is a carver and sculptor born in the ISR who works primarily in stone, metal, walrus ivory, caribou antler and bone, interpreting Inuit legends and mythology. His art brings out the folklore and beliefs that have been passed down through our culture for generations.

He was one of six winners announced on March 2 by the Canadian Council for the Arts, which administers the awards. Each winner receives a medallion and a $25,000 grant.

“Inuvialuit artists are gaining recognition across Canada and around the world,” said IRC Chair and CEO Duane Smith. “I am proud that David’s work will help people see and understand the Inuvialuit experience and way of life.”

Piqtoukun was nominated for the award by Judi Michelle Young, President of the Sculptors Society of Canada, who said “Piqtoukun’s work speaks of and to people’s resilience. Through his work, he inspires, mentoring the younger generation with poignant narratives.” According to the awards website, Ruben Piqtoukun’s works are held in private collections, museums and galleries around the world. He has been featured in several documentaries, mentored fellow artist, the late Floyd Kuptana and continues to actively exhibit his work and participate in conferences. He was appointed to the UNESCO’s Canadian Committee for the UNESCO’s World Decade for Cultural Development in 1989 and to the Sculptor’s Society of Canada in 2000.

For more information, please contact comms@inuvialuit.com.

About the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Established in 1984 to manage the settlement outlined in the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation represents the collective interests of Inuvialuit in and beyond the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The IRC works to continually improve the economic, social and cultural well-being of the Inuvialuit through implementation of the IFA and by all other available means.

Paulatuk’s David Ruben Piqtoukun wins the 2022 Governor General’s Awards in Visual and Media Arts