Ottawa park dedicated to late Inuk artist

Members of Ottawa's Inuit community and supporters gathered on International Inuit Day to dedicate a downtown parkafter internationally renownedInuk artist Annie Pootoogook.

Originally from Nunavut, Pootoogook had been living in Ottawa before her death in September 2016at the age of 47.

Stphanie Plante would often seePootoogook around the Sandy Hill neighbourhood and loved her artwork. After her death, Plante also a member of the local Sandy Hill community association started a campaign lastFebruary to have the park named after the award-winning artist.

"Annie and I both went through troubles at the same time, and I think those stories need to be told," Plante said. "It's not just the Terry Fox's and the Walter Bakers who get to have their names on a plaque."

WATCH | Highlights from the ceremony:

Ottawa renames park after Inuk artist Annie Pootoogook

3 years ago

Duration 2:00

The City of Ottawa has renamed a park after acclaimed Inuk artist Annie Pootoogook, who died mysteriously in 2016.

The community and protective services committee approved the name Annie Pootoogook Park on Feb. 18.

Plante says Pootoogook's art was special, in that it captured the everyday life of people both within the Inuitcommunity and out. One of her better-known works is called Dr. Phil,which depicts a young woman watching the U.S. talkshow on television.

"Her art is just so different, and so contemporary and it's so nice that we have a public space that's dedicated to a contemporary Inuit artist," Plante said.

Pootoogook's body was found in the Rideau River, and although her death was initially considered suspicious, Ottawa police later deemed it to be non-criminal.

Plantewants Pootoogook to be remembered as a"bright light."

"She deserves this park. She deserved so much more," she said.

Several members of Pootoogook's family, including her nine-year-old daughter, Inuit eldersand Canada's first Inuk Governor General, Mary May Simon, were also at the park for the dedication.

The ceremony included traditional Inuit songs anddances, along witha throat-singing performance. Members of Ottawa's art community gave speeches, as well as those who wereclose to Pootoogook.

Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury worked with Plante to help push the dedication campaign forward at city hall. He comparedthe ceremony's atmosphere to a wedding, in that it was a special moment for the city and the Inuit community.

"On November 7th, World Inuit Day, having your excellencies here, all of the performers and speakers. To me, it was very special," he told the crowd.

Fleury saidhe didn't know Pootoogook personally,but discovered her through Plante who he praised for her efforts to make the park name a reality.