Ode to Winnie Ohokak

A few weeks ago, a dear friend passed away in Cambridge Bay, Winnie Ohokak.

Her passing was sad and silent, and I haven’t stopped thinking about her ever since. Who was Winnie Ohokak?

She was not a politician, she was not an executive, she was not an administrator nor an employee, nor was she in charge of anything. And yet, to me, Winnie was and is a legend.

Winnie was a sewing ‘machine.’ A woman of talent, a creator, a major contributor to Cambridge Bay’s artistic community. Her hand-sewn wall hangings are known around the world. Yes, around the world.

I fell in love with Winnie’s wall hangings 15 years ago when she was a student of mine at Arctic College. I fell in love with Winnie’s wonderful sense of humor and giggle around that same time. She was a joy to be around.

Over the 15 years that I have known Winnie, I have managed to acquire almost one of every wall hanging design that she created. I couldn’t get enough of them and I was not alone.

Many times over the past years, when she could not keep up with the demand for her wall hangings, she would call me and see if I had any to spare. I always did, and I thank God that I always made sure to get more.

Dear Winnie. You have enriched so many lives. I look at you every day on one of my walls at home or work and you always manage to make me smile.

Thank you Winnie. Thank you for enriching my life. May you rest in peace.

Vicki Aitaok
Cambridge Bay