Economic Development & Transportation supports Fur Design students
IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 18, 2009) – Environment Minister Daniel Shewchuk and Economic Development & Transportation Minister Peter Taptuna today announced the government’s support for graduates from the Nunavut Arctic College Fur Production and Design program. The four graduates are participating in the 9th edition of Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design, June 17-20, 2009.
“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to send some of Nunavut’s new designers to an international fashion event of this calibre,” said Minister Shewchuk. “This continues the Government of Nunavut’s commitment to develop the sealing industry even in the face of current challenges from Europe.”
Graduates, Karliin Aariak, Meeka Kilabuk, Jeannie Shamaiyuk Smith and Carol Tootoo have traveled to Montreal to showcase the work of Nunavut Arctic College’s Fur Production and Design program at the TransCanada Runway Main Stage event on the evening of June 18.
Aariak and Kilabuk have already won awards and international attention for their sealskin design work at the North American Fur Fashion Expo held earlier this year.
“Supporting the participation of local designers in international fur fashion and design events is an important part of the government’s commitment to the development of capacity in Nunavut to serve the market for sealskin clothing,” said Minister Taptuna.
This is the first time Nunavut designers will be featured at the festival.
The Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design is one of the largest fashion events of its kind in the world, with approximately 500,000 people expected to be in attendance.
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Media Contact:
Craig Welsh
Communications Manager
Department of Environment
(867) 975-7721
@email
Matthew Illaszewicz
Communications Manager
Economic Development and Transportation
(867) 975-7818
@email