Born in 1924 in the Kazan River area Barnabus Arnasungaaq's work has been a major influence in his community and on the art of Keewatin. 
Although the formal community of Baker Lake came together for a variety of reasons, Barnabus, like other Inuit sculptors of the area, had a readily identifiable style that is the result of a cohesive community with a mature identity. He created his work from the hard black steatite of the area.  Despite this, his sculpture tends to be very tactile, with a feeling of monumentality, while at the same time emphasizing shape, colour, pattern and texture. 
"I don't know where I get my ideas, ..., because it's all in your mind. It's you that carves. I look inside myself. Sometimes, before going to bed, I examine the stone, carefully. And in the morning I know what it will be."
As an artist with 40 years of experience Barnabus had this advice for new artists: "To the new generation of Inuit carvers...I recommend this: carve the way your want, and not the way the white man tells you - remember you are an Inuk."

Barnabus was married to graphic artist and carver Fanny Arngnakik. Their sons David and Norman are carvers as well.