by Janet Smellie
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 17/97) - When you first meet 64-year-old Kiawak Ashoona, you'd hardly realize you were in the company of a master.

Dressed in an ordinary suit as he tours the latest history exhibit at the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre, stopping to chat over an exhibit with his daughter, he appears to be an average Inuk family man on a visit.

But average he's not. Ashoona, who was recently in Yellowknife visiting his daughter, was just back from receiving a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his contribution to the arts.

Well-known for his detailed carvings of spirit figures and Inuit legends, Ashoona's work has been shown at hundreds of exhibits worldwide, with works going for as high as $200,000.

The unilingual Ashoona prefers to spend his time hunting on the land rather than in the limelight. And he's honored for the award.

"It's okay. It was really fun to receive such an honor. It was helpful to me to take part in the achievement awards, and see other talented people," Ashoona told News/North through an interpreter.

Ashoona's mother, Pitseolak, who died in 1983, was one of the most prolific Inuit women artists. Her prints helped win her an Order of Canada nomination in 1977.

While her son has succeeded as a print-maker, most of his success has been in carving. A sculpture by Ashoona titled Sedna was reproduced on a 17-cent stamp issued in 1980. Also, one of his carvings was presented to U.S. president Ronald Reagan during a summit meeting in Toronto in 1988.

"His work is exceptional, I can't think of anyone else who deserves such an award, says fellow carver and Ashoona's son-in-law Bob Kussey, who adds his achievements don't only stem from his ability as an artist.

Kussey says that, while Ashoona's work has helped earn him a lot of money, instead of living a life of luxury Ashoona has been instrumental in putting his earnings back into his community.

"He's a philanthropist, always bettering his community. At Christmas time the community has its traditional games and they always needs prizes. It's my father-in-law who foots the bill for the prizes.

"He's truly duty-bound to the well-being of his community," Kussey adds, "If a single mom knits a simple afghan and brings it over to sell for $500, he'll give her the $500."