Meet the Artist: Normee Ekoomiak

Normee Ekoomiak (1948​–​2009) was an Inuk storyteller from Nunavik. Through his paintings, books and vibrant akinnamiutait (wall​-​hangings), he documented Inuit life, stories and traditions with joy and reverence. 

​​Ekoomiak’s​ art bears witness to his knowledge and memories of the Inuit way of living​ that​ he cherished in Fort George, even when he later lived in Ottawa. His wall-hangings in particular embody the cultural significance of textile work in Inuit communities​, ​where sewing is central to creative work and to the living culture of Inuit today. 

Despite ​​hardships, Ekoomiak always returned to art, determined to celebrate and share Inuit culture with both Inuit and non-Inuit audiences. His work stands as a powerful testament to resilience, beauty and storytelling.

I know all of the spirits of the land animals and the birds and the fish and the sea animals. I know their names and I can understand them and I can speak to them. I have heard the owl and I have heard the bear and I have heard the Sedna singing. 

Normee Ekoomiak, Arctic Memories 

Okpik (Ukpik/Snowy Owl) 

​​Ukpik can be a guardian spirit, watching over the land, its people and its animals. A recurring figure in Normee Ekoomiak’s work, Ukpik represents the deep connection between nature and Inuit life. In Ekoomiak’s large-scale pieces, Ukpik’s majestic presence becomes even more striking, serving as a symbol of balance and a form of heraldry.  

Through his art, Ekoomiak weaves Ukpik into scenes of hunting, family life and wildlife, reinforcing the importance of harmony between humans, animals and the spirits who guide them.

Sedna (Nuliajuq/Goddess of the Sea) 

Sedna/Nuliajuq is a central figure in Inuit cultural stories and appears frequently in Normee Ekoomiak’s work. As he recalled in his books An Arctic Childhood and Arctic Memories, his grandfather told him the story of Sedna/Nuliajuq​,​ a young girl cast into the sea by her father. ​In d​esperation, she clung to the side of his boat, but her father cut off her fingers. As she sank to the ocean depths, she was transformed into a goddess​.​​ ​From her severed fingers, the sea animals on which Inuit depend​—​fish, seal, polar bear​ and narwhal​—​were created. 

​​Ekoomiak often depicted Sedna/Nuliajuq in his art. In Inuit culture, hunters must respect the balance of nature, hunting only certain animals and using all the parts of an animal​; Sedna/Nuliajuq will not harm those who follow this rule. ​     ​​ 

​​​Her story reflects themes of respect, survival and the deep spiritual relationship between humans, animals and the sea. 

The Ottawa Mission and ​​Hospice 

​​​Normee Ekoomiak was ​admitted to the hospital​ ​ after experiencing homelessness and other difficult events that affected his health. This was where Dr. Jeff Turnbull met him​.​ Recognizing his need for ongoing care, Dr. Turnbull facilitated his transfer to the Hospice.​ 

​​At the time, ​Ekoomiak ​was expected ​to​ live less than five weeks. ​​​​​A​s former CEO of Ottawa Inner City ​​Health Inc., Wendy Muckle, noted​:​ “There was a lot of up and down in the beginning…However, once the trust was there, things improved dramatically.” ​​​ 

Through the compassionate care ​Ekoomiak​ received, his condition stabilized​.​ As former Medical Director of Ottawa Inner City ​​Health Inc., Dr. Turnbull, shared​:​​     ​ “We treated his medical illnesses​,​ and he stabilized to a point where he could leave an active hospice bed and go to the 4th floor of the Mission​,​ where he was well cared for and happy.” 

​​​During his stay, Ekoomiak​​     ​became deeply bonded with many hospice staff, truly becoming a part of the Mission family. “We all loved him, and I believe that affection was returned,” said Muckle. ​​​ 

​​​Ekoomiak’s​ strength and determination allowed him to recover much of his health and continue his work as an artist. He faced more health challenges towards the end of his life, yet his creative spirit endured​,​ and his work is a powerful legacy. ​​​ 

Ekoomiak’s memorial service in the Mission’s chapel was attended by 150 people—a remarkable testament to the love and respect he inspired within his Ottawa community and beyond.