KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET - Renowned Cape Dorset artist Kananginak Pootoogook died last week in Ottawa at the age of 75.

Renowned Cape Dorset artist Kananginak Pootoogook died last week in Ottawa at the age of 75. The printmaker and carver had received the Aboriginal Achievement Award last year for his lifetime of dedication to art. - photo courtesy of Roaslie Favell, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

He is one of the founders of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative in Cape Dorset and received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award earlier this year for his lifetime of dedication to art.

"He's going to be missed by all of his family," said his granddaughter Ola Pootoogook, adding she will miss his loving and caring character. "I hope he is going to be a role model to the other artists."

Pootoogook was born at Ikirasaq, a camp on Baffin Island near Cape Dorset, and moved into the community in his 20s.

Pootoogook, a renowned printmaker and carver, told Nunavut News/North earlier this year he liked carving animals and other creatures, especially muskox, though he had only ever seen the creatures on TV.

Pootoogook had a lung condition and was in Ottawa for treatment since this past August.

He leaves nine children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"We have lost a passionate artist who dedicated a lifetime to the preservation and expression of his culture through the language of visual arts," stated Roberta Jamieson, president and CEO of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, in an e-mail. "His was a life filled with purpose and true accomplishment. He left a lasting impression that continues to resonate."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized.

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