Montreal’s Indigenous Winter Market Shatters Previous Sales Records
Montreal – Teh Indigenous Winter Market, organized by the Southern Quebec Inuit Association, concluded its latest run this weekend having achieved record sales, according to organizers. The market, designed to connect Inuit artists directly wiht consumers and combat the sale of counterfeit Inuit art, saw a significant increase in both attendance and revenue compared to previous years.
The market addresses a critical need for authentic Inuit art access in Montreal, particularly in the Old Port area where inauthentic pieces are prevalent. “There was no real way in the city to buy authentic Inuit products,” said Pisuktie, a representative of the Southern Quebec Inuit Association. “We want to eliminate the middleman.” the non-profit aims to support the Inuit community through economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
This year’s market featured a diverse range of artists, including Jennifer Qupanuaq May, who creates earrings from caribou antlers. May, a returning vendor, learned antler carving from Winnipeg artist Goota Ashoona and sources her materials from family hunters. “A big part of it is self-expression,” May said. “A lot of our healing comes from our self-expression.”
The market also provides a valuable platform for artists to network and share techniques. May believes expanding Inuit artistry is crucial, stating, “I think Inuit artistry should be a bigger industry…Not only because it is healing, but also because we need more economic development in Nunavik.” The Southern Quebec Inuit Association views supporting Inuit artists as a core part of its mission. “We should always support the community in as manny ways as we can,” Pisuktie said.
