Aupilardjuk, Mariano

Mariano Aupilardjuk was an accomplished artist and highly respected Elder from the community of Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet), NU. In a career spanning several decades, Aupilardjuk was known for his drawings and carvings, as well as his skills as a drummer and storyteller. He even dabbled in acting, playing an Inuk Elder in the 2003 film "The Snow Walker". He was awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 2001 by Indspire in the category of Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality as well as the Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award in 2006, and an honorary degree in education from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2009.