QIA invests additional $5 million in Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre
Iqaluit, Nunavut – June 3, 2026. The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) is investing an additional $5 million towards the creation of the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit, bringing QIA’s total contribution to the project to $10 million.
The Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) has been leading efforts to return more than 200,000 Inuit belongings, including archaeological artifacts and ethnographic items, back to Nunavut, as part of ongoing efforts to advance the vision of Article 33 of the Nunavut Agreement. These invaluable belongings will form the foundation of an interactive cultural centre dedicated to sharing and strengthening rich Inuit history, knowledge, skills and worldview for future generations.
“QIA has now given a total of $10 million towards the creation of the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre project. It’s time that our governments take an active role in fulfilling the commitment that was made 33 years ago through the Nunavut Agreement and the creation of Nunavut” said QIA President, Olayuk Akesuk.
The NIHC will be a purpose-built facility of approximately 6,200 square metres, featuring exhibition galleries, cultural and performance spaces, research and collaboration areas, and hands-on workshop facilities. The centre will support Inuit knowledge and skills, including sewing, toolmaking and equipment-making skills that support land-based activities.
More than a museum, the NIHC will be a place of healing, wellness, learning, and cultural revitalization – strengthening Inuit identity and ensuring Inuit stories are told by Inuit. While located in Iqaluit, the Centre is being developed to partner with local community facilities and thus serve Inuit across Nunavut through exhibitions, programming, research, and partnerships that connect the whole territory.
“Our Elders are our knowledge- holders. We need to record, safeguard and pass on their knowledge, and this centre will make that possible. The Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre will create opportunities for Elders and youth to learn from one another and strengthen Inuit culture, language and knowledge for generations to come.” said the President of the Inuit Heritage Trust, Luke Suluk.
The capital cost of the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre is estimated at approximately $175 million, with an additional $50 million anticipated for furniture, fixtures, equipment, exhibit fabrication, and related fit-up costs.
To date, IHT has successfully secured $75 million toward the project. Subject to confirmation of the remaining capital funding, construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027, with the Centre opening in 2030.
For further information, please contact:
Karen Flaherty
Director, Strategic Communications
Qikiqtani Inuit Association (P) 867.975.8398 or toll-free 1.800.667.2742
kflaherty@qia.ca
Kevin Kablutsiak
Principal, Ataata Communications Inc.
Communications Advisor to Inuit Heritage Trust
kkablutsiak@ihti.ca
