Kinngait’s Shuvinai Ashoona was presented with the Governor General’s Art Award in a ceremony that was held at Rideau Hall on November 14. Ashoona received the award, which recognizes outstanding artistic achievement, from Governor General Mary Simon, herself an Inuk. Simon’s opening remarks were delivered in Inuktitut, something she rarely does, to welcome her northern guest. The event marked the first time in history that an Inuk Canadian head of state presented a fellow Inuk with the prestigious award. The private award ceremony at Rideau Hall was followed by a public evening event at the National Gallery of Canada, where all 8 recipients of the GG Award were invited to speak about their practices and what the recognition meant to them. Ashoona’s work was on display throughout the museum along with that of the other award recipients.
