Ottokie Samayualie was born in Cape Dorset on Baffin Island in Northern Canada in 1980. He is the son of established Inuit artists Johnny Samayualie and Kuluajuq Ashoona. His uncle and aunt Oviloo Tunnillie are well known artists as well.

Ottokie began carving at the age of 9. Most of his work is carved in serpentine, a hard stone known for its dynamic range of colours. His favourite subject is bears which he presents in many different poses. His dancing bears are constantly in high demand worldwide because of their outright uniqueness.