James Avingayoak

James Avingayoak is an Inuvialuit carver and draws the stories and memories of elders. Being able to connect with someone and document an elder's past to preserve the Invuialuit history is important to Avingayoak. He describes this act as a way of giving and learning about his people and history. He continues to draw for elders of the community of Tuktoyaktuk, NT and other towns such as Inuvik, NT.

Originally from Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), NU, Avingayoak has sold many drawings and carvings. Avingayoak likes to use caribou antlers and engraves small intricate patterns and abstractions. He is a self-taught carver, having watched others to learn the craft. Avingayoak will spontaneously make carvings of animals such as seals or polar bears. Each of his works shows a genuine interest in people’s stories, tales and humour.  He has sold many carvings and drawings all across Canada to those who have passed through the region.