Harper Government Invests in Kitikmeot Heritage Society
CAMBRIDGE BAY, Nunavut, April 24, 2013 - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council and Member of Parliament (Nunavut), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Kitikmeot Heritage Society that will help preserve the history of the Copper Inuit (Inuinnait) and commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition (1913–1918).
“The Kitikmeot Heritage Society continues to play an important role in preserving Canada’s rich cultural heritage,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Today’s investment will help ensure that our Northern traditions and information on the Canadian Arctic Expedition, one of Canada’s significant historical events, are accessible to all Canadians.”
Through the project Inuinnauyugut: We are the Copper Inuit, the Kitikmeot Heritage Society will research and produce an exhibit and companion booklet that will document the life and traditions of Victoria Island’s Copper Inuit (Inuinnait) from an Inuinnait perspective. The exhibit, displayed at the May Hakongak Community Library & Cultural Centre, will also commemorate the centennial of the start of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, the first major scientific research study undertaken in Canada’s North. School programming related to the exhibit will also be produced, as will a documentary series that will be shown at the cultural centre and broadcast online.
“Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” said Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”
“The Canadian Arctic Expedition contributed significantly to people’s understanding of the North and the Copper Inuit in particular,” said Kim Crockatt, President of the Kitikmeot Heritage Society. “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the expedition and to re-introduce a local perspective on Inuinnait culture and history through the Inuinnauyugut exhibit.”
The Kitikmeot Heritage Society preserves, promotes and celebrates the history, culture, language, and diversity of the people of the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Through the May Hakongak Community Library & Cultural Centre, the Society provides a range of cultural and educational services to people in the Kitikmeot region.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $182,550 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Francine D. Lefebvre
Director of Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204-983-4367
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca