Laverna Goose Klengenberg, born in Yellowknife, NT in May 1970 to Bill & Annie Goose. She is their 4th of 7 children. She is from Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories. She is married to Ross Napayok Klengenberg. They have 5 children and 1 grandchildren. 

Laverna’s traditional name is Mamayauk, named after her great great grandmother. She is Inuvialuit, with a very mixed background of Alaskan Inupiat, with West African, Northern European, and Indigenous American  ancestry. Her great grandfather Billy Natkusiak Banksland originally from Alaska, was the exploration guide to Vilhjamuer Stefannson. Laverna comes from an artistic family background with her grandmother Agnes Nanogak Goose, father Billy Goose, brothers Rec and Wayne, all renowned artists, carvers. 

Laverna started making handicrafts at a young age. In the Inuit culture, young girls were taught to sew and create clothing pieces from locally harvested furs for family members. She has served many years as community politician on various boards such as the Hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Olohaktomuit Hunters & Trappers, Ulukhaktok Inuit Co-operative, amongst other organizations. She has also served as Mayor of Ulukhaktok for 3 consecutive terms. Laverna currently works at the Helen Kalvak Elihakvik as an Administrative Assistant. She loves to spend her extra time at home sewing and creating pieces for others to enjoy