The Garry Lake region of the barrenlands lies approximately 200km northwest of Baker Lake. Elizabeth was born in this uncompromising northern wilderness in 1938. Her parents died when she was just a child and so her upbringing became the responsibility of her maternal grandmother, Martha.

In the 1950’s the caribou didn’t cross where they had done so in the past. The Inuit suffered, particularly so those near Garry Lake. By now Elizabeth was living with five others including her husband, Joseph, and their son at a camp. Her strongest memories, however, are of when they were with Joseph’s family and the hardships they experienced.

In 1954 they moved to Baker Lake. Elizabeth, now 16, saw a kabloona (white person) for the first time. Also Elizabeth married Joseph; the couple eventually raised 10 children. Joseph taught Elizabeth how to hunt and trap in order to help feed their family. Joseph passed away at an early age so these skills became a real necessity.

Elizabeth goes out on the land either alone or with family members to enjoy the solitude and tranquility. She is a talkative, little woman with a large smile who confronts the trials and tribulations of life with laughter and is always a pleasure to meet.


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Elizabeth Paungrat
Inuit, Baker Lake
Image size: 11 x 13 inches
Edition size: 375