Luke Nuliayok (1930-c. 2000) was born in an area to the southeast of Gjoa Haven, in the islands of Queen Maud Gulf. As a child, he made his own toys, bows and arrows. Because he grew up with no mother or sisters to sew for him, he taught himself how to sew skin clothing as well. He was named after his grandfather just before the older man passed away. His grandfather was a powerful shaman, known for his healing powers and for finding lost hunters. He was able to find people in his dreams.

Nuliayok and his family moved to Cambridge Bay when he was a teenager. In about 1966, they moved to Gjoa Haven where he became known for making intricate carvings and models of traditional weapons and implements. By the time a government carving program was underway in 1971, he was developing his skills in stone carving and was prolific in the 1970s and 1980s. He gained a reputation at the annual Northern Games in Inuvik for his outstanding skill in a wide range of physical contests and for his expertise in drum dancing. He made his own drums with wood and skins.