KIVALLIQ/BURNABY, BC - The Inuit Dolls of the Kivalliq exhibit was unveiled at B.C.'s Burnaby Art Gallery earlier this month.

The opening was attended by Helen Iguptak, Melissa Dunkerley, Tiana Gordon and Petula Tasseor of Rankin Inlet, Susie Angootealuk and Helen EllNatakok of Coral Harbour, Susan Nuluk and Idga Taparti of Repulse Bay, Hannah Killulark and Irene Kaluraq of Baker Lake, Eva and Isabelle Sheetoga of Whale Cove, Susanne Karetak and Elizabeth Enowyak of Arviat, and Valerie Ipkarnerk of Chesterfield Inlet.

The dolls will remain on display in Burnaby until July 27, with plans in the works to have their next stop at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Exhibit co-ordinator Helen AbenReynen said the Kivalliq artists were well received in Burnaby and broke the ice between the cultures with their warm presence.

She said the group brought joy, laughter and a better understanding of Inuit and living in the Arctic to those in attendance.

"There were many moments when the artists from each community shared their language, ajaajaa and Inuit culture alongside their art," said AbenReynen.

"This was a journey of healing, friendship and caring.

"The people in Burnaby were warmly receptive to the Inuit."

The Kivalliq group also visited a Timeless Dolls art studio in Surrey during the stay, as well as the Marian Scott Gallery and an anthropology class at Simon Fraser University.

The group spoke about their culture through song, tools and storytelling.

The 2007 Kivalliq Inuit Doll Festival Exhibition and Storytelling Traditions video was also shown to give context to the artist's work.

AbenReynen said the exhibit's opening was quite interactive - a non-traditional approach for a gallery show.

She said the public was totally won over by artists and the reaction to the doll collection was wonderful.

"We couldn't have done this without support from Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Kivalliq Partners, Economic Development and Transportation, the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre and Shear Minerals.

"People commented on how wonderful it was to experience Inuit culture and get a personal explanation on some of the activities.

"The showing also brought Inuit together from different areas, which was very nice to see."