An approximately 5,500 m2 (59,201 sf) centre will be built in Iqaluit by Dorte Mandrup Architects, with a mandate to foster the development of a network of heritage and cultural centres in each region.
The Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre (NIHC) will focus on living heritage, the continuity of Inuit culture and language, as well as the preservation and exhibition of cultural belongings.
It will provide training and support the development of heritage facilities in other communities throughout Nunavut.
It will be built into an Iqaluit hillside, with a roof people can walk on. The exterior design is meant to reflect a respect for nature.
The facility will be home to more than 140,000 Inuit artifacts which are currently housed in facilities elsewhere, such as the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
More people travel to Winnipeg than Iqaluit. It will be very sad to have the sculptures and wall hangings moved to Iqaluit from the Winnipeg Art Gallery Please reconsider. I teach in Baker Lake and we do virtual workshops with the Winnipeg Art Gallery. People from here often travel to Winnipeg. They can see their family’s art works when they go. Not as many people go to Iqaluit.