NAIN, N.L. — An $18-million, state of the art cultural centre opened in Nain on Nov. 21. The Illusuak Cultural Centre will ‘will serve as a centerpiece for the community, allowing Inuit the opportunity to gather and strengthen their connections to each other and to their culture,’ according to the Nunatsiavut Government in a press release.
Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe was at the official opening, along with other members of the NG, elders, and youth from each of the five Labrador Inuit communities, and Labrador MP Yvonne Jones.
“Illusuak will help bridge the generation gap between elders and youth, encouraging open dialogue, the sharing of traditional knowledge and the vision for the future,’ Lampe said. “The stories that will be told in Illusuak will make Labrador Inuit proud. By understanding where we came from and how we survived as a people, Labrador Inuit will have a better appreciation of who we are as individuals and as a culture continuing to evolve in a modern world.”
Illusuak, which in English means “sod house”, houses a permanent exhibit, aimed at broadening Inuit history, culture, traditions and shared experiences.
It also has a multi-purpose theatre to support audio/visual presentations, film screenings, lectures and live musical and dance performances, a gift shop for regional artists and craftspeople to display and retail their goods, and a café that will offer traditional and wild foods and serve as a place for people to gather to share stories.
According to the NG, it was funded through financial contributions from the Nunatsiavut Government, the Government of Canada and the Tasiujatsoak Trust.
Construction of the 13,700 square-foot facility began three years ago.
