KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - It's a long way from Ikirasaq, the camp outside of Cape Dorset where Kananginak Pootoogook was born, to Regina, Sask. But last month the 76-year-old artist travelled from the Arctic to the Prairies to accept an Aboriginal Achievement Award for a lifetime of dedication to art.

Cape Dorset's Kananginak Pootoogook was presented with an Aboriginal Achievement Award in Regina on March 26. - photo courtesy of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Pootoogook is one of the founders of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative in Cape Dorset.

James Houston, also known as "Saumik" in Inuktitut, along with Pootoogook's father, Joseph, helped begin the artistic movement for which Cape Dorset has gained wide acclaim.

In May 1953, a workshop in the community led to the creation of the Co-operative, and Pootoogook became one of the first printmakers in Cape Dorset.

In addition to printmaking, Houston also taught Pootoogook how to carve, Pootoogook recalled.

He said he has always loved making carvings of animals and other creatures, and he's particularly fond of muskox carvings. He said he has only ever seen muskox on TV, but likes them because their thick fur equates to warmth.

Pootoogook said a lung condition preventing him from carving this past winter, but said he is looking forward to beginning again in the spring.

He is the father of nine children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pootoogook received his award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation at the Conexus Arts Centre on March 26.

He said he was surprised when he found out he was nominated for the award and said even though he wasn't looking for recognition, he was happy to have won his award.