Iqaluit, Nunavut, October 11, 2024 – The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) has confirmed that the remainder of the 2017 pledge towards the construction of a Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre to the Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) will be fulfilled this year.
In March of 2023, QIA transferred it’s first instalment of $2.5 million to the IHT. Again, in March of 2024, QIA provided IHT with $1 million dollars to continue their work in creating a Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre.
Today, after review and approval of the 2023-2024 non-consolidated financial statements, QIA has confirmed that IHT will receive the final instalment of $1.5 million to complete QIA’s pledge of $5 million dollars.
“The creation of the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre will be confirmation of Article 33 of the Nunavut Agreement where it calls for the return of Inuit cultural belongings. I am very proud that QIA can stand with the Inuit Heritage Trust in their effort to bring home Inuit belongings in to safeguard our culture, traditions and language”, said QIA President Olayuk Akesuk.
“Nunavut is the only territory left in Canada without a Heritage Centre. This infrastructure will be an interactive space for Inuit to take ownership of their history and to share it on their own terms. This project will enable the transfer of traditional knowledge and language to future generations and will create training and employment opportunities for Inuit while also advancing reconciliation. Inuit coming together in unity across organizations to make this project a reality is powerful”, said IHT President, Sakiasie Sowdlooapik
For further information on the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre and the Inuit Heritage Trust, please see their website at www.nunavutheritage.ca and www.ihti.ca
The QIA Board of Directors have been consistent in advocating for the reclamation of Inuit artifacts and a centre made specifically to house and promote Inuit heritage, QIA is a proud contributor to the creation of this Centre.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
(P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca
