The 2027 Inuit Art Calendar explores the theme of family. Artists from Kinngait draw on various ideas of family, both human and animal, that are central to arctic life. In Family of Eight, Tim Pitsiulak captures the joy of a family outing on an ATV, while in My Little Family, Ningiukulu Teevee shows a playful owlet peaking out between its parents.

Inuit family life is grounded in strong extended kinship networks that value community, adaptability, and respect between generations. In Inuit culture, knowledge and history are often shared through oral traditions that inspire a bounty of visual interpretations.

Elders play an important role as storytellers and teachers, passing on life lessons and survival skills that connect the past with the present. As knowledge keepers, they share experiences and guidance that help younger generations find their path.

Inuit have long lived in close relationship with the arctic environment. This connection extends beyond human families to include the wider “family” of Arctic animals. Seals, caribou, birds, and other wildlife have provided vital resources for generations. These animals remain integral to Inuit culture, survival, and identity.

Family, as seen in the animal world, takes many forms: a mother loon guiding her young across the water, or rabbits moving in groups across the tundra. These moments reflect shared values of care, cooperation, and belonging, and serve as unending inspiration.