Carver Jaco Ishulutaq to create monument to Pangnirtung fishery

Master carver Jaco Ishulutaqis carving a monument to the Pangnirtung turbot fishery, while passing on his skills to the community's next generation of artists.

Right now, a granite block, 1.5 metres wide and tall, is sitting at the community's wharf.

Soon it will be transformed into a massive turbot, to honour the fish that few traditionally ate in Nunavut, but that's become a growing source of income for fishers whoset lines through the sea ice of Cumberland Sound each spring.

Ishulutaqis well-known throughoutNunavut, andhas displayed his work internationally.

"In my experienceas a carver, itteaches patience and has had a calming effect on me," saidIshulutaqinInuktitut.

"I encourage all artists all young carvers to continue doing art."

Carver training 'on the job'

"There's a lot of excitement for the project," saidJustin Ford, a program director from theNunavutArts and Crafts Association. "Everyone loves art and they love to get involved however they can."

Eight local youth have been selected to work withIshulutaqover the next eight weeks.

"He's amazing at what he does and he works really well with youth," said Ford.

Among other things, Ishulutaq will teach the youthabout working with granite, a rock that's muchharder to work with than serpentine, a stone that'spopular withartists in the region.

The carving will be "on the job training"for the young artists, since the Kavikak Association is paying wages for the students,said Ford.

Nunavut's Economic Development and Transportation department will pay for the supplies and Ishulutaq's time.

Ford says the granite carving will be a draw for tourists inPangnirtung, one ofNunavut'scruise ship destinations.