Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, July 30, 2007

INUVIK - When Tuktoyaktuk's Raquel Nuttall explains her carvings, it's obvious that a lot of thought goes into the symbolism.

Consider one piece titled "courage," which shows an Inuvialuit woman standing defiantly before a grizzly bear.

"Nowadays, women are very courageous, we are the backbone of the families and we must stand strong," said Nuttall, explaining the bear represents fear.

Looking at the soapstone woman - eyes calm, standing straight and of equal height to the bear - it's clear that Nuttall holds Northern women in high esteem.

Another piece shows an Inuvialuit woman wearing a traditional parka, obviously pregnant.

Nuttall said her idea was to celebrate the beauty of childbirth, and illustrate the theme of generations.

Having carved for six years, the young Inuvialuit woman said more girls should consider becoming artists.

Nuttall said it's an interesting trade, which allows her creative freedom and sometimes leads to a sale.

In her case, it allows her to muse about women and traditional culture, which is a lifelong interest.

In addition to carving, Nuttall also works at the Inuvik Youth Centre, where she encourages youth to pursue arts training.

"I really want to share our culture, and I think it can be a way of empowering youth," she said.

She added her family in Tuktoyaktuk has been very supportive of her career in carving, which is primarily soapstone.

And where will it all lead?

Right now, Nuttall said she plans on campaigning in Inuvik to create some kind of communal arts centre, where carvers can sit around and discuss techniques.

"It's just talk right now, but we are definitely going to see if we can get funding," she said.