Qaunak Mikkigak was born near Cape Dorset and has remained in the area throughout her life. Though she was involved in the Cape Dorset jewelry project, and contributed to several Cape Dorset print collections, she is known best for her work as a sculptor. Mikkigak grew up in the traditional ways of her people. She was also exposed to men in her camp making carvings as trade items. When Mikkigak moved to Cape Dorset she took up carving herself. Her work is characterized by strong vertical or horizontal thrusts and an elegant simplicity of form. Most of her sculpture depicts animal and human figures, and frequently illustrates the stories and legends learned in her youth.