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2026 Major Spring Inuit & First Nations Art Auction Results

By: Waddington's Staff

As Canada’s auction leader in Inuit and First Nations art, we’re pleased to share key highlights from our spring 2026 season, which saw collectors acquire over $1 million in Inuit and First Nations art.

May 2026 Inuit Art Auction

Featuring artworks from the pioneering collection of Dr. Norman Epstein alongside selections from the Lavrov-Costakis collection of historical art; 60% of all lots sold over their pre-auction estimate, demonstrating collector energy and continued appreciation for the artform. Read more about Dr. Epstein’s collection.

Karoo Ashevak ᑲᔪ ᐊᓴᕙ (1940-1974), DRUM DANCER, CA. 1973. Realised: $104,450

Amongst the most admired lots, Karoo’s Drum Dancer was viewed 2,404 times, Pauta’s Dancing Bear received 2,073 views, and the Augustin Anaittuq Collection of Ivories garnered 1,604 views. Read more about Drum Dancer.

Additional relevant statistics include:

Total number of lots 154
Total number of bids placed 1,112
Total estimates (low to high) $454,700 – 678,310
Total prices realised $732,041.5
Sell through 84.4%
Sold over estimate 60%

 

View all May 2026 Inuit Art auction results here.

May 2026 First Nations Art Auction

Anchored by the iconic Young Shaman with Powers by Norval Morrisseau, this auction performed superbly, achieving a 96.7% sell-through rate.

Norval Morrisseau, CM, RCA (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) YOUNG SHAMAN WITH POWERS, 1978. Realised: $159,350

Collector interest was reflected by the 3,763 views of Morrisseau’s Young Shaman with Powers, 2,051 views of Janvier’s Who will Listen, and 1,942 views of Morrisseau’s Shaman and Apprentice. 

Additional relevant statistics include:

Total number of lots 31
Total number of bids placed 139
Total estimates (low to high) $256,900 – 378,600
Total prices realised $338,181.5
Sell through 96.7%
Sold over estimate 10%

 

View all May 2026 First Nations Art auction results here.

Consignment Opportunities

Waddington’s continues to be the trusted resource for selling and acquiring Inuit and First Nations contemporary and historic works of art.

With close to five decades of experience in this market, beginning with the sale of the ‘Eccles Collection’ in 1978, and 176 years in the auction business, our legacy is unparalleled.

Contact us to find out more.


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