CanNor Invests in Cape Dorset Arts Community

Support for New Cultural Centre and Sewing Building in Cape Dorset

IQALUIT, NU, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Office of the Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister for the Arctic Council

Minister Leona Aglukkaq today announced CanNor funding for two projects to help support and develop the creative talents of artists in Cape Dorset, Nunavut.

CanNor invested in design and construction documents to build a new Cultural Centre and Print Shop for Cape Dorset. A new building is a priority for the community as it will provide a community heritage centre for both residents and visitors, a print shop for the production of the world famous Cape Dorset prints, and space for the display and sale of artwork. Once design work is complete, construction of the new building could begin in 2015.

CanNor also invested in the renovation of the recently re-opened Alda Sewing Group Building. The renovated building serves as a place for residents to gather and for elders to pass down traditional knowledge, such as cooking and sewing, to members of the community. During the tourism season, it will be opened to individual artists looking to sell their work.

Quick Facts

• CanNor invested $344,016 for the development of design and construction documents for the Cultural Centre and Print Shop in Cape Dorset. Additional funding is being provided by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. ($43,000) and the Municipality of Cape Dorset ($43,000) for a total project value of $430,016.
• CanNor invested $143,049 for the renovations of the Adla Sewing Group Building. The Government of Nunavut ($113,698) and the Municipality of Cape Dorset ($29,352) provided additional investment for a total project value of $286,099.
• Compared to communities across Canada, Cape Dorset has the greatest number of people working in the arts industry: more than 90% of residents over the age of 15 are involved in producing arts and crafts. The community's artisans are also world renowned for the quality and inventiveness of their work.

Quotes

"Cape Dorset's artists are known around the world and are some of Nunavut's greatest ambassadors. Cultural industries generate important economic activity in northern communities and this investment will help the community of Cape Dorset strengthen and diversify opportunities in this key sector."
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council

"Establishing a Cultural Centre in Cape Dorset is an investment for the betterment of all artists in the community and Nunavut as a whole. This is an excellent step forward and we will work closely with the centre and the Municipality of Cape Dorset for Heritage Grants under Grants and Contribution program."
Paul Okalik
Minister of Culture and Heritage

"The seed money for the Cape Dorset centre was generated by NTI and the Regional Inuit Associations (RIA) during negotiations with the federal government for the Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) for Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas, as required by the NLCA. Under the IIBA, $4 million was set aside for the Tourism Providers Fund to help each RIA select one community project in its region. I am pleased to see such success achieved through implementation of the NLCA."
James Eetoolook
Acting President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

"The Municipality of Cape Dorset would like to thank CanNor for their support on the renovations to the Adla Sewing Centre and the Kenoajuak Cultural Center and Print Shop. Both of projects will benefit the community, and also visitors to the community, for a long time to come.""
Padlaya Qiatsuk
Mayor of Cape Dorset

Associated Links

• CanNor Supports Economic Development in Nunavut
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1385152502368/1385152582240)
• CanNor Invests in Nunavut's Cultural Industries
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1389626619417/1389626741337)
• CanNor Supports Geosciences Research in the North
  (http://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1390495390186/1390495493878)

SOURCE: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Jonathan Lefebvre
819-997-1441

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Craig Welsh
Communications Advisor
867-975-3722

Funding for these projects was made possible through CanNor's Community Economic Opportunity Program and the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. CanNor works to help develop a diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy across Canada's three territories, and delivers on its northern mandate through funding programs, the Northern Projects Management Office and by undertaking policy and research.

Department of Culture and Heritage, Government of Nunavut
Leevede Atagoyuk
Communications Manager
867-975-5526

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
867-975-4914

Municipality of Cape Dorset
Mike Hayward
Senior Administrative Officer
867-897-8943