NEWS RELEASE
Cultural centre for Nunatsiavut branded “Illusuak” during ground-breaking ceremony
September 3, 2014
For Immediate Release
A cultural centre for Nunatsiavut is one step closer to becoming a reality following a ground-breaking ceremony in Nain.
Nunatsiavut President Sarah Leo, along with Culture, Recreation and Tourism Minister Richard Pamak and Education and Economic Development Minister Patricia Kemuksigak, took part in the ceremony.
The facility will be called Illusuak, meaning sod house. It will provide Labrador Inuit the opportunity to highlight different aspects Inuit history, culture, and achievements in a way that will enhance and encourage connections with other communities in Nunatsiavut, and with all Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.
“The stories that will be told in Illusuak will make all Labrador Inuit proud, no matter where they live. By understanding where we came from and how we survived as a people, Labrador Inuit, and indeed the rest of the world, will have a better appreciation of who we are as individuals and as a culture continuing to evolve in a modern society,” says President Leo. “It will bring people together to celebrate the culture and language of Labrador Inuit through exhibits, programming and special events. It will showcase what Nunatsiavut has to offer, help bridge the generation gap between elders and youth, and encourage open dialogue, the sharing of traditional knowledge and a vision for the future.”
“Illusuak will be more than just a physical building,” adds Minister Pamak. “It will serve as a symbol of Inuit pride, highlighting our distinct culture and heritage, and it will strengthen our resolve to move forward as a people with a renewed sense of determination.”
Illusuak will tell the Labrador Inuit story through architecture, design and exhibits in such a way that the facility will be a compelling reason for visitors to come to Nunatsiavut. It will house a caft shop, a café, a performance theatre, exhibits, interactive displays, a gather space or central “livingroom,” and indoor/outdoor firepits. While a permanent exhibit will be housed at Illusuak, travelling exhibits are planned for all Labrador Inuit communities.
Parks Canada will operate its Torngat Mountains National Park office from Illusuak, highlighting the beauty and history of the park, resulting in increased tourism traffic to the region.
While all funding has not been identified, the Nunatsiavut Government is confident in moving forward with a phased approached to begin construction. Nillik Construction, a subsidiary of the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies, has been contracted to start the work. Phase one involves the construction of breakwater, building area site work, and drilling and installation of piles. Phase two will include concrete building foundations and building enclosure, while the third phase will include interior work and project completion. Construction will only proceed on each phase on direction and approval of the Nunatsiavut Government, and will be subject to obtaining sufficient financing.
Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582