Nuliajuk’s Story

The fluid nature of oral culture means details of certain legends also tend to be ever-evolving. Among the most famous of the vast array of oral storytelling traditions, are those related to the sea spirit known by different regions throughout the Canadian North as Nuliajuk, Taleelayuk, Takannaaluk, Arnajuinnaq, Uinigumasuittuq – or Sedna. In most of these stories, Nuliajuk becomes the guardian of the sea animals, and is a force to be reckoned with should you disrespect her creatures.

This exhibition serves to explore the multiple legends surrounding Nuliajuk and how artists from different communities have expressed them.