Investment in Inuit cultural infrastructure - Minister Geoffrey Kelley breaks ground on the construction of Kuujjuaraapik's new multi-purpose venue

KUUJJUARAAPIK, QC, June 15, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Accompanied by the MNA for Ungava, Mr. Jean Boucher, the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley, participated in a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday evening to begin the construction of Kuujjuaraapik's new multi-purpose venue, a major new cultural centre in Nunavik.  The Government of Quebec is contributing over $3.5 million to this project, with $2.05 million stemming from the Ministry of Culture and Communications' Capital Assistance Program – Quebec Infrastructure Plan.

"This kind of infrastructure is extremely important in ensuring the vitality of a nation's culture, and we believe that the Katittavik hall will quickly become a major gathering place for the region, a venue where all generations can come together to enjoy life's beautiful moments.  The concerts, events and activities which will take place in this hall, and the happy moments that will be celebrated here, will greatly improve the quality of life of local residents," stated Minister Kelley.

"In order to flourish, culture must be expressed.  This multi-purpose venue will address this need, and will certainly become a focal point for members of the community.  I am confident that this venue will be of great use to future generations, as well to those who will inherit Inuit traditions and be responsible for continuing them," said the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, Luc Fortin.

"The construction of this multi-purpose venue in Kuujjuaraapik is excellent news for Nunavik. This hall will help revitalize the municipality and the region, and I am delighted to help to begin construction on this site!" added Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava.

"I am very proud of the work accomplished up to now by the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) in collaboration with the Government of Quebec and the Northern Village of Kuujjuaraapik. The KRG's Municipal Public Works Department has done an outstanding job at each step in this process. Congratulations to Kuujjuaraapimmiut, which will soon enjoy a state-of-the-art venue to celebrate Nunavimmiut's most important richness, their cultural heritage!" declared Jennifer Munick, Chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG).

This multi-purpose venue will be named Katittavik, which means "gathering place." Located in the heart of the village of Kuujjuaraapik, the building will be easily accessible to the population, and available to local and regional artists for their work.  This new facility is a strategic initiative for Inuit cultural development. It will  showcase the rich Inuit culture, featuring traditional songs, dance performances, plays, oral history as well as any other form or practice of social and collective arts. This venue may also serve as a temporary exhibition gallery featuring Inuit art and a venue for the organization of conferences.

Ideal for meetings and discussions, this venue will also allow the community to gather for cultural and community events. This will help improve the quality of life of the residents of the village and the personal growth of community members through artistic pursuit. On the economic front, it will create direct and indirect jobs while maintaining others. Hall rentals will also generate revenues for the village.

About the Aboriginal Initiatives Fund II 

The main objective of the Aboriginal Initiatives Fund II is to support Aboriginal social, economic and community development. The fund is made up of five different budgets for economic development, loan guarantees, the development of community infrastructures, community action and consultation. Its management has been entrusted to the Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones of the Government of Quebec.

Source:	Chantal Gauvin Press Secretary Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs 418 643-3166   Karl Filion Press Secretary Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language 418 380-2310
	Frédérique Brais-Chaput Press Secretary Office of Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava 581 579-0118   Jean-Philippe Dubois Communications Coordinator Kativik Regional Government 819-964-2961, ext. 2219

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

Source: Chantal Gauvin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418 643-3166; Karl Filion, Press Secretary, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, 418 380-2310; Frédérique Brais-Chaput, Press Secretary, Office of Jean Boucher, MNA for Ungava, 581 579-0118; Jean-Philippe Dubois, Communications Coordinator, Kativik Regional Government, 819-964-2961, ext. 2219