Celebration of Life for George Arlook

Hello, my name is Kathrine and I’ve known George since I was a very young girl (around the age of 4) and he lived with my family and I when he was in Winnipeg right up until my late twenties. He was a huge part of our family (Anderson’s/Dacey). I was asked to set up this Go Fund Me page (by his family) to help fundraise for a celebration of life here in Winnipeg and any extra funeral costs for his family back in Nunavut where his body will be transported for his funeral.

George was born on May 5, 1949 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, raised Arviat, Nunavut and Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. He's also lived in Baker Lake, Nunavut; Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut; and Churchill, Manitoba. He was residing in Winnipeg when he passed on March 6, 2023 at the age of 74 years. He is survived by his eldest brother Jack and two younger sisters Melanie and Theresa as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and tons of friends. Although George never had a family of his own he was always welcomed with open arms into ours. Like I mentioned he was a huge part of our family since he joined us in the early 90’s. He taught my younger brother Dalton (along with others) how to carve and got him started on his own soapstone carving journey. I will always remember George sitting in the backyard carving away and when it was too cold outside in the winter months he would be in the basement carving. Even as he grew older and his health was deteriorating he still carved whatever he could. It was his lifelong passion. You could always find him hanging out at the PPI (Polo Park Inn) or the Viscount Hotel playing VLT’s his favourite thing to do.

He is a world renowned soapstone carver who was self taught at the age of 9. His life and work are discussed in many books on Inuit art. His carvings have been included in numerous landmark exhibitions, and they're prized acquisitions in prominent public and private collections.

George was always such a sweet and generous man with a contagious smile. Everywhere he went me made friends and definitely left an impression. I don’t know anyone who has ever met George and didn’t have something nice to say about him. His art will live on forever as he will in our hearts, he made such a big impact in the world of Inuit and indigenous artists and there are so many more thank you’s he deserves.

Since his sister has decided to have his body transported back to Arviat for his funeral we want to have a celebration of life here in Winnipeg for everyone who knew George.

Georges Celebration of Life will take place at Canad Inns Polo Park (PPI) On Thursday March 16, 2023 from 4pm-9pm. There will be refreshments and snacks, pictures of George and an opportunity for people to tell their stories. Hope to see you there!

Thank you very much, we appreciate anything you can donate to help.