Martha Kyak

Martha Kyak is a fashion designer and artist originally from Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), NU, who currently resides in Ottawa, ON. Kyak grew up in a family of traditional seamstresses and cites her mother as a major factor in her sewing practice [1]. Kyak creates garments that draw from traditional Inuit designs and include contemporary influences.

Kyak has been sewing for most of her life and has also worked with painting and other art forms, which she now incorporates into her clothing by printing her designs on fabric. She uses sealskin in her clothing and accessories as well. Kyak creates a wide range of work from sealskin necklaces to parkas, all with an important presence of Inuit tradition and culture woven in. Kyak has stated her influences are from styles of the 1920s and 1960s, which she tries to combine with Inuit design [2].

Kyak has exhibited and sold her work across the country, including many runway presentations. In addition to her own artistic practice, Kyak is also a teacher at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a college program for Inuit youth based in Ottawa, ON.