She organized the Pan-Arctic Women's Workshop at the Ottawa School of Art from Oct. 20-Nov. 2.

Seventeen women participated, including ceramicists, video artists, fibre artists, doll makers, grass weavers, printmakers and carvers.

In her position as the executive director of the grassroots Inuit organization, Mitchell learned that a number of Inuit artists wanted to develop new techniques and increase their artistic knowledge.

"Artists, both male and female, from across the North said that what they found useful and what they liked was meeting people around the different communities and developing a network and trading material," says Mitchell.

"Women in particular were saying that they had these ideas about making new things but they're not sure how to go about it or they're having trouble selling their products locally."

Mitchell says that women's work, including the artwork of the Inuit, is devalued worldwide.

"It's OK for the carvers and the printmakers but the women who sew or make dolls and baskets, it's difficult to market or promote. We decided it was time for the women to come together and see where it led."

Funded by their own communities, the participants learned more about the business of art, a topic that is particularly relevant to many Inuit communities in the wake of their ailing economies.

Josephine Felix of Tuktoyaktuk felt the economical success of the workshop immediately. She was able to sell a carving she produced during the workshop.

"My carving sold. I left it in Ottawa and one guy from Europe bought it. I wanted to show everyone at home," says Felix, 28.

"I was really nervous but it really made me feel good. I met a lot of nice women and it makes you want to come home and do more stuff," says Felix who has been carving for just two years.

Felix hopes to teach her new skills to other residents in Tuktoyatuk.

"I want to encourage people more to try and tell them there are places where they could sell their work. Especially with the young people, I want to encourage them."

During the workshop, women learned and practised new art skills which they could take home and pass on. This will help the different Inuit art cultures to stay alive.

Mitchell feels that the workshop was very successful.

"People are talking about organizing things in their communities. I know they're all talking to each other because they left with each other's phone numbers," says Mitchell. "I know that some women in Igloolik have gotten a building and are trying to start a sewing group."