Katie Pootoogook Manomie

Inuk

Katie Pootoogook Manomie is an Inuk woman who was born in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Her grandmother was Kanayuk Pootoogook and her biological mother is Pudloo Pootoogook. Katie was adopted at birth by a non-Inuk woman and they moved from Nunavut to BC when Katie was three years old. Katie was raised in the T'Sou-ke Nation and because of being displaced at a young age, Katie is a part of what the Government of Canada refers to as the 60's Scoop. She was not raised knowing her culture, family, or Inuit ways of living. Katie is currently a guest within Lekwungen territory.

Katie attended Camosun College starting in 2020 for the Indigenous Family Support program, entered the Indigenous Studies diploma program, and graduated with distinction. She learned how to bead flat-stitch in her Indigenous Art class and from her teacher Lindsay Delaronde. From there, Katie was introduced to sealskin by her sister Sarah Maniapik (Iqaluit, Nunavut), who helped her with purchasing sealskins from the Government of Nunavut.

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The sealskin Katie receives follows Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Principles:

  • Qanuqtuurunnarniq (Being resourceful to solve problems)
  • Avatimik Kamtsiarniq (Promoting environmental stewardship)
  • Pijitsirniq (Serving)
  • Tunnganarniq (Being welcoming, open, and inclusive)
  • Pilimmaksarniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq (Working together for a common cause)

As an Inuk woman with no Inuit mentors within the Lekwungen territory, Katie feels that her ancestors are guiding her with every piece of jewelry she makes. 

Katie is grateful to her sister, Sarah Maniapik for being able to help her with her sealskin purchases, to the Indigenous art community within Lekwungen territory for guidance, and acceptance, and lastly, to the Aunty Collective for the amazing opportunity to share space.

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