2025 in Review: Inuit, First Nations & Métis Art

With 2025 behind us, we’re looking back on a year that was full of remarkable art by Inuit and First Nations artists. Last year’s highlights showcase a vibrant spectrum of creativity, from early sculpture and prints to contemporary works, which came to us from collections at home and abroad. As we celebrated our 175th year in business, we also marked decades of offering the best Inuit and First Nations art, beginning with our first landmark auction in 1978 of the William Eccles Collection.

Last year’s auctions were defined by both individual masterworks and important lifetime collections. Collectors demonstrated diverse engagement, competing for important artworks spanning historical and contemporary genres.

Inuit Art

Significant Inuit artworks include the sensational Drum Dance by Davie Atchealak, which along with Owl with Young by Kenojuak Ashevak, achieved record secondary market results of $73,950 and $67,850 respectively. Other notable artworks by Inuit artists include a nivingajuliat (tapestry, or wall hanging) Untitled (Winter Scene) by Marion Tuu’luq, an outsized Dancing Bear by Pauta Saila, a rare sculpture by Aleutian artist John Hoover, Grebe Spirit, and a range of early and important prints and drawings from noted artists Parr, Josephie Pootoogook, Niviaxie, Kenojuak Ashevak, Kananginak Pootoogook and others.

Alongside robust interest in early masters, particularly active bidding was attracted by Tim Pitsiulak’s Qimaajuq Ukali (Running Rabbit) from 2016, and Pitseolak Qimirpik’s Owl from 2006, which raced their way up to final prices more than six times the high end of their individual estimates.

Artworks came from important collections including the collection of former Northwest Territories Arts and Crafts Development Officer David Sutherland, Narwhal Gallery (London, England) founder and author Ken Mantel, and pioneering Toronto collectors the S. Family.

First Nations ART

A category which continues to see strong engagement, our Major Spring auction of First Nations art was underscored by Eddy Cobiness’ Untitled (Midewiwin Dancer), and Alex Janvier’s Green Life, which both doubled their estimates. Demand for Janvier’s work remained strong in the Fall season, with Willow Point, 1991 again doubling its high estimate in the Major auction. Another standout was Beau Dick’s Book-Woos (Bukwus) Mask, 1991, which sold for $21,250.

Historical First Nations art also found strong interest from collectors, highlighted by the performance of Waddington’s September auction, Historic First Nations Art.

Collectors were particularly interested in an early and rare Seal Form Grease Bowl by an unidentified Northern Northwest Coast artist, as well as a monumental Kwakwaka’wakw Model Totem Pole After the Chief Wakius Pole, Alert Bay.

Highlights from identified historical masters included Mungo Martin’s Grizzly Bear Frontlet, a Captain Richard Carpenter (Du’klwayella) Bentwood Chest, and a Pictorial Imbricated Friendship Basket, by Mary Dick Topino. Also notable was the interest in the research archives of author and Plains scholar Cyril Francis Turner, and Mi’kmaq quillwork from the lifetime collection of a notable Nova Scotia collector.

View All Results

Interested in viewing all the results from our 2025 auctions? Please click here.

Consignment Opportunities

The consignment process for our 2026 auctions is already underway. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how you can achieve excellent results for your artworks.

Please contact us for more information on consigning with Waddington’s.