The museum collection acquired its first works by First Nations and Metis artists in the early 20th century.[46] The museum acquired its first Inuit works in 1956, crafted by artists in Nunavik.[2] In 1979, Henry Birks bequeathed a number of works from Indigenous artists to the NGC.[46] In 1989 and 1992, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development bequeathed 570 works by Inuit artists.[40]