Elizabeth Esperon Gunn

Elizabeth Esperon Gunn moved to the community of Kuujjuuaraapik in the 1950s, and to the new community of Umiujaq in 1986. She is a widow with six children. Elizabeth thinks she began carving in the late 50s. She also began selling a variety of sewn items in 1989; her sewing skills were learned when she was a little girl. She produces parkas, vests, mitts, socks, kamiks, and wallhangings for sale, as well as clothing for her family, and really enjoys it. Elizabeth also makes and sells baskets.

Elizabeth’s sister Lizzie Tookalook makes carvings and baskets; another sister Sarah Crow produces baskets. Elizabeth works part-time for a transportation company. She is a member of the Education Committee for the community school, and is concerned about language and culture retention. She feels that Inuit arts and crafts reflect Inuit culture and traditions, and help to keep her culture alive.

excerpt ©1997 Inuit Art Section, INAC