Manasie Akpaliapik’s Treasures: Inuit Stories and Legends

As part of the exhibition Manasie Akpaliapik. Inuit Universe, take part in an exceptional series of tales told by the sculptor, in collaboration with the Montreal Intercultural Storytelling Festival.

Manasie Akpaliapik was born in 1955 into a small sealing community in the Nunavut village of Ikpiarjuk, and grew up listening to stories in the igloo. His imagination was forged by the legends of the Inuit people, reflected in his sculptures of mythological characters, sacred animals like owls, seals and walruses, storytellers, and shamans. He is recognized not only as one of the most gifted artists of his generation, but also as an elder, a guardian of tradition.

For this new series, Manasie has agreed to swap his chisel for words, telling us his favourite stories and legends, treasures of his culture and art.

About Manasie Akpaliapik

With a career spanning four decades and art displayed in institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of Civilization, and several private galleries, Manasie has created art inspired by his deep love for animals and for Inuit legends  and their narratives in which the relationship between humans and animals is one of mutual respect.

Manasie is a practised drum dancer, drum maker and is versed in kayak building. He continues to travel to the Arctic every year to search the shores for ancient whalebones and to connect with his family and community. He enjoys passing the Inuit legends to the younger generation and works tirelessly to keep the oral tradition of storytelling alive.

Information

• Paid activity presented in Inuktitut and English, November 16 to 17, 2024.
  Space is limited, reservation required.
• Length: 60 minutes
• Location: J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the Museum

Program

Admission

• Adults: $10
• Children and teenagers: $8
• Museum Members: $8
• Members of Indigenous communities: free

About Montreal Intercultural Storytelling Festival

Since 1993, the Montreal Intercultural Storytelling Festival has featured a rich and diverse program of traditional and creative storytelling, myths, epics, fairy tales, life stories and contemporary tales.