Ron and Ann Jones Inuit Sculpture Collection
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)