Since its inception in 1957, Canada Goose has had an indelible connection to the North. Today, the brand will be celebrating the original parka makers by honouring the traditions and legacy of Inuit design. That’s the story behind Project Atigi (atigi means “parka” in Inuktitut), a social entrepreneurship program in its third year. Project Atigi is rooted in Canada Goose’s purpose platform, HUMANATURE, which unites its sustainability and values-based initiatives, under- scoring its purpose to keep the planet cold and the people on it warm. Project Atigi spotlights Inuit craftsmanship, novel design and the rich stories that are woven into these garments.

This year, Project Atigi is honing in on a single designer: Victoria Kakuktinniq. The Rankin Inlet native’s label, Victoria’s Arctic Fashion, lives at the intersection of fashion and true function, uniting traditional Northern garments with contemporary design sensibility. Kakuktinniq’s limited-release parkas are highly coveted across Nunavut communities; her social-media-driven drops featuring one-of-a-kind pieces often sell out instantly. But Kakuktinniq’s acclaim is also heating up outside of the North: She has gained traction in more-established style capitals, showing collections at Fashion Week in both New York and Paris in recent years.

As the guest designer on this year’s women-focused capsule, Kakuktinniq was tasked with bringing her perspective to the Canada Goose repertoire. “I have always been inspired by my culture and the teachings of Inuit seamstresses,” she says. “When I was growing up, my mother and grandmother clothed us with warm traditional clothing. It was a way for us to express our Inuit identity. To celebrate that, this collection unites the traditional with the modern.”

Her year-and-a-half-long design process with Canada Goose yielded three namesake outerwear styles: the light-weight Kakuktinniq Down Jacket; the windproof and water-repellent Kakuktinniq Jacket; and the Kakuktinniq Parka, which delivers fundamental warmth plus protection in harsh winter conditions. It’s easy to spot the traditional Inuit elements woven in throughout: feminine detailing like cinchable waists and fitted sil- houettes, a northern-lights-inspired colour palette and a special tattoo trim derived from a cultural practice that symbolizes one’s unique life story. “This specific design represents my strength as a single mother and acts as a tribute to my own parents,” says Kakuktinniq.

Tying back to HUMANATURE, proceeds from the sale of the Project Atigi collection will support Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), which was also done with previous capsules. ITK is a non-profit that works to improve the health and well-being of Inuit, carrying out its mandate through research, advocacy, public outreach and education. “Project Atigi celebrates my heritage, community and craft—it’s so inspiring and motivating,” says Kakuktinniq.

Complete with an arresting campaign featuring an all-Indigenous cast, including TikTok star Shina Novalinga, actress Marika Sila and model Willow Allen, the collection is a true reflection of Kakuktinniq’s story. “This has been such an empowering project—for myself, my community and other Inuit women,” she says. “Sewing traditional garments, a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation, is an important part of life in the North, for Inuit especially. We are artists; we tell our stories through our product. It’s more than just our livelihood; it’s a way of life.”