Emily Joanasie

A trained teacher and talented seamstress, Iqaluit-based Emily Joanasie left her teaching position in 2019 to pursue her dream of opening a fabric and textiles shop where Inuit seamstresses would feel comfortable and welcomed. Stemming from discussion and collaboration with other crafters in her community, Joanasie was able to open Miqsuqta! fabric supply store in Iqaluit in 2019, with the specific needs of Inuit crafters in mind as the guiding principle.

An accomplished seamstress herself, Joanasie works in Commander materials, cotton, canvas, furs, sealskin and beyond. Learning to sew after her second child, her first-ever sewing project was an amauti. The garment remains her favourite item to create, and considers it to be a deeply personal and special piece, which she saves for special projects and family members.

Also a prolific creator of parkas, Joanasie contributed an original men’s parka design to the 2020 Project Atigi line, a collaboration between Canada Goose and Inuit seamstresses and craftspeople. Outside of her jacket and parka designs, she also enjoys crafting other items, like sealskin items, jewellery and décor items.