Ning Ashoona

Ning Ashoona is one of the few Inuit women carvers in Cape Dorset.  She started to carve at the age of 14. She learned how to carve from her father Qaqqa Ashoona and also by watching her mother Mayoreak. Her sister Siassie Kenneally and her cousins Annie Pootoogook and Shuvinai Ashoona are well known for their drawings. 

When carving Ning uses both hand and power tools. The power tools allow her to speed up her production, requiring the hand tools to do fine work.  She carves a range of subjects being highly diverse in the carvings she produces.  

This talented artist is known for her graceful loons, but she also enjoys carving seals and transformations. She says, “ I will carve until I can’t do it anymore, because I enjoy it.” 

Ning’s work has been exhibited in galleries throughout Canada, and it continues to gain admirers with each passing year.