Elijah Michael

Kimmurut artist Elijah Michael died on April 6, 2008, in Ottawa, Ontario. He was 79-years-old. A carver all of his adult life, Michael was known for his sculptures of arctic wildlife, as well for his depictions of family, Inuit games, and “Owl Women” (serpentine owls with thick women’s braids). One of his sculptures was given as a gift by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien to Pope John Paul II during a visit to Canada. Michael leaves his seven sons and two daughters, as well as nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He was mentor to many members of his extended family. The Guild Shop (Toronto) organized several exhibitions of work by the Michael family.

Inuit Art Quarterly, “In Memoriam”, p.46, Vol. 23, No. 3, Fall 2008

Elijah’s wife Annie and sons Mattoo Moonie, Pauloosie and Pee are also artists. He began carving at age 16 and prefers working in stone, ivory and antler.

excerpt ©1997 Inuit Art Section, INAC