Celebrate Inuit Voices: Nenan encourages learning on International Inuit Day

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Local family services society Nenan Dane zaa Deh Zona has released a Facebook post commemorating International Inuit Day on November 7th.

The post speaks about North American Inuit People who have influenced mainstream culture.

A statement from the group encourages individuals to “take some time today and learn something new” about their contributions.

It concludes by reading that onlookers should “follow an Inuit artist or advocate to continue to learn and give space to their voices.”

The post highlights several Inuit Influencers and performers, including Inuvialuk and Gwich’in artist and fashion designer Christina King.

Also known as Taalrumiq, King’s work includes garments that incorporate sealskins, fur, hide feathers, and antlers, combining modern materials such as sequins and leather to make earrings, jewelry, and clothing.

Recognized by social media app TikTok as one of Canada’s “Visionary Voices” in 2024, she currently splits her time in the Northwest Territories and Terrace, B.C.

International Inuit Day was first recognized in 2006 by the Inuit Circumpolar Council, a non-governmental organization representing the 180,000 Inuit and Yupik people across Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and parts of Russia.

According to Statistics Canada, there are currently 67,051 Inuit people living in Canada as of 2021, including 95 living in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.