Discovering the Inuit Culture of Nunavik
OTTAWA, July 27, 2006 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region, today announced the Government's support for the Avataq Cultural Institute, which will enable the Institute to carry out an Internet project intended to raise awareness of the Inuit culture of the Nunavik region in Quebec."Using Internet technology, this project will provide more Canadians with access to the treasures of our collective heritage," said Minister Oda. "The Department of Canadian Heritage is pleased to support this initiative, which will highlight the culture and traditions of the Inuit of Nunavik."
"Thanks to the remarkable work of the Avataq Cultural Institute, we can all expand our knowledge of the Inuit culture," said Minister Fortier. "We invite young and old alike to use the new technology available to them to be acquainted with the region's living cultural heritage."
The Government of Canada's funding of $351,735 for the Immersion in the Heart of the Inuit Culture of Nunavik project will help increase awareness of Inuit culture through two Web portals: Ullumi and Avataq. The Avataq portal will draw on collections of archival photographs, artworks, archaeological artifacts, oral traditions, and toponymy to present over 4000 years of Inuit culture and history. The Ullumi portal will focus on contemporary life in the Arctic.
The Avataq Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization that seeks to protect and promote the language and culture of the Inuit people of Nunavik. It has its headquarters in Inukjuak, Nunavik, as well as an office in Westmount, Quebec.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Partnerships Fund of the Canadian Culture Online program.
Information:
Nancy Heppner
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region
819 997-5421
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
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