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UQSUQTUUQ/GJOA HAVEN
A multi-use tourism centre which has just arrived in Gjoa Haven is projected to bring the hamlet revenues of $325,000 annually.

Gjoa Haven residents see architectural drawings of the Hamlet's planned Nattilik Heritage Centre during elder consultation in October. Pictured from left, Susan Konana, Martha Atkichok, Miriam Aglukkaq, Mary Takkiruq, Hannah Qirquit. - photo courtesy of Ed Stewart

The $2.5 million-dollar Nattilik Heritage Centre project reached a milestone last month when the materials arrived by barge from Hay River.

Construction is expected to begin on the one-storey, 3,300 square-foot octagonal structure next spring, with the grand opening targeted for 2013.

"It's going to be a big event, a big celebration," senior administrative officer Enuk Pauloosie said. "We are really proud that we're going to have this building up and running in the future."

Economic development officer Ed Stewart said the main objectives of the project are to promote growth in the arts and crafts and tourism sectors, and strengthen Nattilik culture and language.

"Preserving local culture and traditional ways will further strengthen Gjoa Haven’s ability to cater to the global cultural tourism phenomenon," Stewart said, noting many tourists are eager to have an authentic Northern experience, are interested in learning more about how Inuit traditionally live, survival methods, and history. "It allows people visiting to experience a different culture."

Cruise ships that stop by the hamlet during the summertime bring up to 700 tourists each year, Stewart said.

Architectural drawings of the centre include offices, a board room, a gathering place for elders, where youth can learn traditional ways and appreciation for their heritage, he added. The centre will also be home to a museum, which will include exhibits of traditional hunting tools, clothing, and artifacts being returned from Oslo, Norway, taken more than 100 years ago.

"Being one of the Kitikmeot (communities) right on the Northwest Passage we have a lot of history here with explorers," Pauloosie said.

The majority of the project's $325,000 revenue will come from the centre's arts and crafts gallery, where sculptures and other works by more than 60 community artisans will be on display.

"These assets should position the hamlet favourably for future tourism growth," Stewart said.

A manager will be hired full-time for the centre, which will also employ residents seasonally. The construction phase of the project is expected to generate between six and eight jobs, Stewart said.

Funding for the project and tourism marketing included contributions from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the territorial and federal governments, Heritage Canada and the Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission.

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