Montreal’s new cultural centre celebrates Inuit creativity

A new cultural and community space honouring Inuit heritage and artistic expression is now open in downtown Montreal.

The Sanaaq Centre is named after Sanaaq, the first novel written in Inuktitut. Sanaaq, by Nunavik author Mittiarjuq Attasie Nappaaluk, was mostly written in the 1950s and published in 1984.

The new venue bearing the book’s name is part of Montreal’s efforts to support diversity, inclusion and Indigenous visibility. It hosted an opening ceremony May 9 followed by open houses over the weekend.

Located in the Peter-McGill District of the Ville-Marie borough, the Sanaaq Centre was developed in collaboration with residents and Indigenous partners including the Avataq Cultural Institute, according to a May 9 news release.

“For many Inuit, Montreal is considered the 15^th-largest community in Nunavik, with approximately 3,000 Inuit living there,” said William Tagoona, board chair for the Avataq Cultural Institute, in the release.

A permanent museum showcase at the Sanaaq Centre in Montreal highlights the life and work of Inuit author Mittiarjuq Attasie Nappaaluk, designed by the Avataq Cultural Institute. (Photo courtesy of City of Montreal)

“The Sanaaq Centre pays tribute to one of our most respected authors and cultural leaders, Mittiarjuq Attasie Nappaaluk, who contributed greatly to the transmission of our knowledge.”

Sanaaq means “to make,” or the idea of a creation, of a work of art or something made by hand.

“This choice of name perfectly reflects the spirit of the site and its triple vocation as a library and a cultural and community space, while honouring the presence of Indigenous communities in the neighbourhood,” the release said.

Tagoona said the name also recognizes Nappaaluk’s lasting impact on Inuit culture and storytelling.

“We believe that Inuit must be part of the story of this city, and the Sanaaq Centre is a wonderful opportunity — a place where our artists can exhibit their work, perform, create, and feel welcome,” he said.

A permanent museum showcase, designed by the Avataq Cultural Institute, is dedicated to showcasing the life and work of Nappaaluk to further honour her legacy.

The development is supported by the 2024–27 Montreal Cultural Development Agreement, a $158-million partnership between the City of Montreal and the Quebec government.

The Quebec government committed $11.6 million to the development of the centre’s library, as part of its Cultural Development Agreement with the City of Montreal.

The facility includes more than 84,000 borrowable items, from books and instruments to digital devices, as well as “the largest collection of Indigenous books in the library network,” the release said.

A 255-seat performance hall, exhibition gallery, culinary lab, urban agriculture area, family drop-in centre and media lab are also part of the offerings.