Threads of Our Ancestors
200 Kamiik Patterns for Inuit in English
Threads of Our Ancestors is a project by Muckpaloo Ipeelie that allows her to practice, and draft kamiik (sealskin boots) patterns. These patterns will be given free to Inuit. Graciously, the project has been funded by the Inuit Art Foundation (IAF) through the Turaagaq – Kajungiqsaut Grant Program.
About the Project
In Iqaluit, Muckpaloo visited the Inuit Art Gallery and luckily found a pair of ready made vamp and soles – they just needed their upper leg pieces created and linings. Muckpaloo, was inspired to create this project when she began to create the upper parts of her sealskin boots. She sought the direction from Youtube, books, and social media. Upon noticing the lack of English direction, Muckpaloo wanted to change that. Muckpaloo used to speak Inuktitut as a and as time went on, she lost her ability. She is on the path to reclamation now. However, not all Inuit have the ability to do this, and she thought, traditional skills should not be lost due to the loss of language. Muckpaloo was able to hand sew the uppers, but found the yearning to make an entire pair of kamiik. The traditional knowledge for the vamps and soles were even harder to find.
Muckpaloo wrote a grant to the IAF and it was awarded. The grants allows Muckpaloo to make a completed pair of kamiik are being created using materials including sealskin, cowhide, and duffel. The project includes documenting the pattern-making and construction process and developing instructions to accompany the patterns. Additionally, instructional materials are being developed as part of the project. Printed patterns and downloadable PDF versions will be made available for Inuit who wish to use them to make their own kamiik.
Public Presentation at the Art Gallery of Ontario
The project will be publicly presented at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
The presentation will include completed project work, kamiik patterns, as well as a celebration! There will be throat singing and drum dancing by Muckpaloo Ipeelie, Alexandra Anaviapik and Naulaq Ledrew.
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto, Ontario
Event Information
Threads of Our Ancestors
Saturday, November 7, 2026
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Toronto, Ontario
Funding Acknowledgement
Threads of Our Ancestors is supported by the Inuit Art Foundation through the Turaagaq – Kajungiqsaut Grant Program. Qujannamiik to the Inuit Art Foundation for supporting this project.