Nattilik Heritage Centre is growing in size and strengthening its role as a local employer, a regional hub and community gathering place
August 11, 2022 - Gjoa Haven, Nunavut - Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Public spaces in communities across Nunavut are critical for supporting residents, encouraging tourism, supporting local business and creating jobs. These spaces are often important gathering places to practice and develop Inuit culture, language and heritage by supporting mental and physical well-being, skills development, knowledge sharing and intergenerational connection.
Today, while in Gjoa Haven, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan and Minister for CanNor, announced an investment of nearly $2 million, delivered by CanNor, to support the expansion and growth of the Nattilik Heritage Centre.
Since opening in 2013, the Nattilik Heritage Centre in Gjoa Haven has grown from a multi-purpose arts and tourism facility to a regional hub for gathering, learning and knowledge-sharing. By adding an additional 600 square metres of new space, including a dedicated art section, a makerspace, and an adventure tourism office, the Centre will grow in its role as community space that welcomes visitors from Gjoa Haven, across the territory, and beyond.
These new spaces will support local and regional economic growth and increased tourism to the community and across the Kitikmeot. The expansion will also support job growth, including the possible creation of five to nine new jobs, the expansion of three positions and the maintenance of ten existing jobs within the facility.
The Government of Canada continues to work with Indigenous partners, organizations, businesses and communities to help grow the economies of the North and Arctic through community-driven and regionally-focused initiatives, such as the Nattilik Heritage Centre expansion.
