Learn about Inuit sewing techniques with elder, educator, SOI alum and master seamstress Annie Petaulassie. Skilled in sewing, beading and making handcrafts, Annie will share her talents, and speak about the importance in passing down Indigenous knowledge. This event is hosted by Deborah Tagornak.
Please turn on Closed Captions in ENGLISH to translate this interview!
Annie Petaulassie
Annie Petaulassie is a master seamstress from Iqaluit, Nunavut. She is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education and 33 years of teaching experience. Annie has taught all subjects in Inuktitut and Inuktitut as a second language from Kindergarten to Grade 5. In 2008-09, she took a one year sabbatical to teach at Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa. She has also taught youth from across Canada how to make sealskin slippers and mitts.
Annie’s hobbies are sewing, beading and making hand crafts such as quilting, making crochet hats, sealskin broaches, hair clips, mitts, slippers, handbags, wall hangings, parkas, beaded slippers, and tops or parka covers with embroidery designs. She won a Nunavut-wide art competition with one of her wall hangings, which is now featured on the cover of the Northwestel phone book.
Annie was brought up in a camp, where she learned a traditional Inuit way of life, until she had to go to school. She enjoys teaching Inuktitut language, traditional songs and Inuit history to younger generations.
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