Avataq opens new offices, signs deal with Quebec

Christine St-Pierre, Quebec’s minister of Culture, Communications and Status of Women, speaks at the Dec. 12 opening of the new offices of Nunavik’s Avataq Cultural Institute in Montreal. (PHOTO BY EMANUEL LOWI)

Nunavik’s Avataq Cultural Institute and Quebec signed a deal Dec. 12 in Montreal that will see the organization receive about $1.2 million from the province over the next three years.

Quebec’s culture and communications minister Christine St-Pierre, and Charlie Arngak, chairman of Avataq’s board, signed the renewal of the funding agreement during the official opening of Avataq’s new offices at 4150 Ste-Catherine St. W. in Montreal.

Also on hand were throatsingers Janice Grey and Emma Grey, members of Avataq’s board and many representatives from Nunavik regional organizations.

St-Pierre, who spoke at the event, outlined her department’s close ties with Avataq since 1984.

“The signing of this agreement will continue our productive and creative collaboration,” St-Pierre said. “Avataq Institute has had an undeniable influence in Quebec, Canada and throughout the world. Over the years, this organization has developed an expertise which contributes to the cultural vitality of Nunavik.”

The head office of the Institute is located in Inukjuak, but,” for reasons of efficiency and economy,” Avataq has chosen to locate its administrative offices, its archives and collections in Montreal, a Quebec government news release said.

The Avataq Cultural Institute, founded in 1980, is mandated to protect and promote Inuit language and culture in Nunavik.