Salliq is the Inuit name for the community we have known as Coral Harbour. Located on Southampton Island at the top of Hudson Bay the name Coral Harbour was given it from the presence of fossilized coral structures that are found in that region.
We were delighted to find these unique carvings and to collect these works over the last few months. Materials available to the artists include soapstone, whalebone, walrus tusk ivory and some marvelous limestone from nearby Bear Island.
Daniel Shimout was born in 1972. He watched his father Anakudlak Shimout carve, as well as his older brother Matthew and their brother-in-law Leo Napayoak Sr. Daniel is well known for his carvings depicting the animals that surround his home as well as depictions of camp and camp life.
Fred Degrace was born in 1951. His mother is Cree and he met Inuit carvers in Winnipeg more than 15 years ago. Inspired by them he started carving and continued doing so after moving to Coral Harbour about 12 years ago. Taking his works into the Northwest Company store, they found their way to a receptive audience and we are pleased to have these fine examples in this exhibition.

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