Ron and Ann Jones Inuit Sculpture Collection

Ron and Ann Jones
Ron and Ann Jones

I joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in February 1974 and my first posting was in Wabowden, in Northern Manitoba. It was there I met my wife Ann. Ann and I were later posted to Newfoundland and Labrador, Rockey Harbour and Happy Valley/Goose Bay.

In 1980 we were posted to Yellowknife, NWT. Ann worked with the NWT court system for several years then went on to be a Business Analyst with Akaitcho Business Development Corporation.

Between 1980 and 1998 I travelled extensively with the RCMP throughout the NWT and Nunavut. It was during my travels that we purchased the carvings, some through the local hamlet co-op and some from the artist themselves. The carvings were displayed in our home, in the NWT.

I retired from the RCMP in 1998 and worked the next ten years with BHP Billiton’s Ekati Diamond Mine, as Manager of their Diamond Sorting Plant. Ann and I left the Northwest Territories in 2008 after 28 years, and retired to Calgary, Alberta where we currently reside.

The carvings remained in packing boxes until we made the decision to donate them to Athabasca University [in December 2016].

Hunter with Narwhal
by Simeonie Pewatoaluk, ca. 1985
Steatite stone and hide
Polar Bear with Seal
by Judas Ullulaq, ca. 1985
Pyroxine stone and bone
Basking Walrus
by Philip Pitseolak, ca. 1985
Steatite stone and bone
Drum Dancer
by Philip Pitseolak, ca. 1985
Steatite stone, bone and hide
Old Man with Stick
by Norman Qumuaqtuq, ca. 1985
Serpentine stone

Updated June 25, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)