Best known as one of the first female Inuits to do carving, which traditionally had been the activity only of men. She is a daughter of graphic artist Mary Kudjuakjuk, Qaunaq and grew up traditionally on the land. She began to make small carvings after her father’s death when she was still a girl.

She married Oqutaq Mikkigak; they were encouraged by James and Alma Houston to make carvings. The couple also raised eight children, seven of them adopted.

Qaunaq made some drawings in 1960 and in the late 1970s but preferred carving. As both Qaunaq and her husband had wage employment, she made carvings because she wanted to, not because she had to, and perhaps because of this, her work has a certain charm.

She lived her enti...