b'FUR TRADITIONSThe TalentedTAALRUMIQ By Anna-Liza BadalooKeeping fur traditions alive in an anti-fur world is a key part of the Inuvialuit artists missionH ailing from Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories, Taalrumiq (Christina King) is an Inuvialuit artist, fashion designer and content creator devoted to disrupting anti-fur sentiments and sharing why fur is a vital part of Inuvialuit culture. Through her work and artistic creations, which are often made of fur and animal skin, Taalrumiq aims to counter anti-fur thinking, and her efforts are increasingly garnering attention both in Canada and abroad.Fur has always been part of our culture and cultural identity; it was absolutely necessary for the survival of my people, explains the Indigenous artist. Canada, as we know it today, was built on the fur trade and exploitation of Indigenous generosity, knowledge, land and resources. My people (including my grandparents) helped visitors to our land survive the harsh Arctic winters by preparing them for the condi-tions and feeding them our traditional foods that nature provided.The use of fur in Inuvialuit culture is essential for survival even today. It helps the Inuit stay connected to their land, strengthens their identity, and allows them to participate in the global economy via A fur mask by Inuvialuit artist, fashion the fur trade by creating products, art anddesigner and content creator Taalrumiqfashion using fur.32Fall/Winter 2023'