Government of Canada Supports Northern Labrador Inuit Cultural Centre

News Release

October 5, 2016 - Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador - Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to renewing the Crown-to-Inuit relationship on the basis of rights, respect and partnership. To achieve this, it is essential to support Inuit in their efforts to protect and promote their language and culture, and to improve socio-economic conditions in their communities.

Today, during a visit to Nain, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, announced an additional $1.5 million to help complete the construction of the Illusuak Cultural Centre.

The Centre will provide Labrador Inuit with a cultural infrastructure to highlight different aspects of Inuit history, language, culture, and achievements while creating long-term, sustainable economic development in Nunatsiavut.

Quotes

"The Illusuak Cultural Centre will be a source of pride for Inuit and all Canadians. I am very proud of the Government of Canada’s support for this important cultural infrastructure. It is another step towards the renewal of the Crown-Inuit relationship."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"Investing in the Illusuak Cultural Centre will help strengthen Labrador’s competitive advantages and diversify the economies of its communities. Illusuak is a creation of Labrador Inuit, for Labrador Inuit, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. That is something to celebrate! "
Yvonne Jones,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament (Labrador)

Quick facts

Illusuak is an initiative of the Nunatsiavut Government and a good example of cooperation between various levels of government and Indigenous groups.
It will be a 12,000 square-foot building with a 90 seat multipurpose space.
It is scheduled to open in 2017 in Nain, Labrador, to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary.
It will house permanent exhibits and a performing arts space, providing opportunities for Inuit and non-Inuit residents and visitors to enjoy expanded arts and heritage programming.
On June 17, 2016, the Government of Canada announced $8.1 million to support the Illusuak Cultural Centre, including $1 million from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
Today’s investment brings Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s total contribution up to $2.5 million.

Additional links

Contacts

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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Date modified:: 2016-10-05