Tauttunnguaqti: Behind the Scenes with Napatsi Folger
For the past year, Inuit Futures alum Napatsi Folger has been working for the Inuit Art Foundation (IAF) in the Tauttunnguaqti role, which means “one who envisions” in Inuktitut. As the creative visionary for the magazine, Napatsi’s responsibilities are diverse and impactful. She serves as the guest editor for select issues, shaping the theme, writing certain articles, and composing the letter from the editor. She collaborates with management to make editorial decisions and chooses which artists to feature and ensures the magazine aligns with the IAQ’s editorial vision.
In addition to her editorial duties, Napatsi mentors emerging writers through the Inuit Art Foundation’s partnership with the CIRI Foundation on the Alaska Native Art Writing Fellowship. This program mentors two Alaskan Indigenous writers each year, with Napatsi tailoring her guidance to each fellow’s interests. She covers topics such as maintaining personal values as a freelance writer, selecting appropriate jobs, and navigating relationships with editors. She also shares practical tips on creative writing and her personal experiences, like declining jobs that don’t align with her values.
Napatsi finds great satisfaction in her mentorship role: “It was really satisfying to work with them. I enjoyed both getting to be a mentor and learning from teaching them.”
Photo courtesy of Napatsi Folger.
Reflecting on her time at the Inuit Art Foundation, she emphasizes the importance of understanding that writing is a process: “You’re never going to have a perfect piece right off the bat. Editors are an important part of your writing process. Sending a first draft or notes on a first draft is not something to be embarrassed about or to have your feelings hurt. Even the best writers have multiple drafts of their work.”
Napatsi participating in a blanket ceremony at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, June 21, 2024. Image courtesy of Napasti Folger.
On top of her work as Tauttunnguaqti, Napatsi continues to pursue her own creative projects. She recently completed a comic essay on Inuit traditional naming practices for an art book with a collective of Indigenous Russian artists in Europe. She is also working on a profile for Momus and will be writing an essay for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection to be published in the catalogue for an exhibition of artwork from Kinngait, curated by Inuit Futures alum Emily Henderson.
From September 2023 to July 2024, Napatsi held the role of Indigenous Artist and Writer in Residence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This residency aimed to provide artists with time to focus on their projects. During her residency, Napatsi hosted classroom visits, ran beading and comic workshops, and held office hours for students to discuss creative writing. She found it gratifying to connect with staff, students, and Indigenous services on campus, building a supportive community.
Napatsi began her journey with the Inuit Art Foundation in January 2019 as a Contributing Editor for Inuit Art Quarterly, a position made possible through the IAF’s partnership with The Inuit Futures in Arts Leadership Project.
“Inuit Futures has helped to launch the careers of so many young Inuit artists who are now doing incredible things, like curating shows and having big exhibitions in national and international venues,” Napatsi notes. For her, the relationships and networking opportunities provided by Inuit Futures have had the most significant impact on her career.