The Inuvik Mural Project has taken many forms in many places over a number of years. Its purposes included: reinforcing community pride, establishing greater connections between Inuvialuit of all ages, displaying Inuvialuit culture, supporting local artists, and preparing communities for the return of tourism. As part of the broader Project, the IRC (Inuvialuit Regional Corporation) commissioned the creation of 33 murals, provided material and supplies to artists and mentors in six communities (Aklavik, Inuvik, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk, and Ulukhaktok), paid those artists and mentors, and took high-resolution photos of the works to replicate them for display on Mackenzie Road in Inuvik. The IRC chose the south-facing wall of the Inuvik NorthMART retail facility as the location for displaying all 33 murals.

I walked the wall, picked out my favorites, and enjoyed the artists’ interpretive statements about their work.