Local · November 8, 2026

Mary Paningajak Receives CALQ Artist of the Year Award for Northern Quebec

Mary Paningajak was awarded the CALQ Artist of the Year for Northern Quebec at the Path to 100 Year festival in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, in recognition of her contributions to Inuit traditional and contemporary art.

On November 8, 2026, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ), in collaboration with the Institut culturel Avataq and Le Devoir, presented Mary Paningajak with the CALQ Artist of the Year Award for Northern Quebec. The award ceremony was held during the Path to 100 Year festival in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Alongside the honour, Paningajak received a prize of $15,000.

Mary Paningajak is recognized for her outstanding commitment to Inuit traditional arts, demonstrated through her artistic practice and her active role in sharing cultural knowledge. Her work in printmaking and drawing achieves a notable balance between tradition and modernity. Drawing from Inuit heritage, she has developed a distinctive artistic language that reflects her personal experiences and highlights significant events in Inuit history and the realities of her community.

Her creations are characterized by graphic lines and vivid colours, expressing both her personal journey and the collective history of the Inuit. Paningajak is particularly inspired by the tools and methods developed by Inuit people using resources from their environment, a theme that recurs throughout her art.

In addition to her personal achievements, Paningajak has played a significant role in the development of a future printmaking centre in Ivujivik. This centre is intended to encourage artistic creation and support the transmission of artistic knowledge within the community, helping to sustain Inuit artistic traditions.

Her works are included in public collections such as those of the Institut culturel Avataq, the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, and the Kativik School Board. Her art has also been exhibited at events and venues including the Saint-Jean-Port-Joli Biennale, the Papier Fair in Montreal, La Guilde in Montreal, and Feheley Fine Arts in Toronto.

The CALQ’s decision to honour Paningajak reflects its mission to publicly recognize creators who excel in their fields and make exceptional contributions to the vitality of Quebec’s culture. This award highlights Paningajak’s role in enriching the cultural landscape of Northern Quebec through her dedication to Inuit art and heritage.

Why it matters

Mary Paningajak’s recognition as CALQ Artist of the Year for Northern Quebec highlights the importance of preserving and advancing Inuit artistic traditions. Her work bridges cultural heritage and contemporary art, offering insight into Inuit history and community life. The award and her involvement in establishing a printmaking centre support the sustainability of Inuit arts, benefiting both local communities and the broader cultural fabric of Quebec.

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