The Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Avataq Cultural Institute
VAL D'OR, August 29, 2002 -- Guy Saint-Julien, Member of Parliament (Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $99,056 for the Avataq Cultural Institute, for its 2002-2003 funding plan."The Government of Canada is proud to be involved in a project that encourages expression of the cultural and linguistic diversity that is so precious to our nation," said Mr. Saint-Julien. "I would like to acknowledge the remarkable work of the Avataq team, who has worked for 22 years to inform the public of the cultural wealth of the Nunavik Inuit."
The Avataq Cultural Institute's activities focus on preserving the Inutittut language, by encouraging its use. It hopes to strengthen the number of individuals involved in Inuit-language activities, as well as Inutittut projects that start teaching the language to youngsters.
Created in 1980, the Avataq Cultural Institute's mission is to protect and promote the language and culture of the Nunavik Inuit. To this end, the Institute develops libraries, museums, and resource centres in Aboriginal communities. It also applies a research policy regarding social, cultural and economic studies on the Inuit.
Financial assistance is being provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative. Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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