Qillaniq (Bilingual)

Jocelyn Piirainen, Laakkuluk Williamson, Liisa-Rávná Finbog (Rámavuol Liisa-Rávdná), Nadia Jackinsky-Sethi, Ooleepeeka Eegeesiak, Taqralik Partridge 

Qillaniq accompanies the 2026 edition of the International exhibition of Indigenous art at the National Gallery of Canada. The title is based on the Inuktitut word describing the effect of light from the sun or the moon shimmering on water – appropriate for an exhibition and a publication focusing on the circumpolar world.

The art in Qillaniq is multi-vocal, multi-disciplinary, and improvisational; it’s inspired by Indigenous values of contributing to community in as many ways as possible. It’s also an expression of radical joy, an exploration of what the artists tell us is possible in our communities, of holding space for the people who change our world – despite not always fitting into the norms of colonizing institutions. Most of all, it celebrates those who share love as an answer to difficulty. Qillaniq – that shimmering, bright light – honours the circumpolar world’s badass artists who tell us all that our existence is enough.

Featuring essays by 24 contributors from the circumpolar world – Alaska, Inuit Nunangat, Kalaallit Nunaat, and Sápmi – and reproductions of work by nearly 70 artists from each of these territories, Qillaniq is a true celebration of the circumpolar North, not as the South might want it to be but as it is. 

Softcover | 272 pages 
21 x 25 cm (8.3 x 9.8 in.) 
Publication Date: 2026