MONTREAL, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - This evening, the Avataq Cultural Institute is holding an extraordinary event at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. In attendance will be top Nunavik policy makers, business people and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Élizabeth Larouche. The guests will be attending the very first Avataq fundraiser in support of Inuit language and culture. Time honoured traditions and modernity come together through performances by Elisapie Isaac, Akinesie Sivuaraapik, Taqralik Partridge, the Nunavik Youth Theater and the young talents of the Pivallianiq-KMHB Hip-hop Club, one of the components of an extensive social intervention program in Nunavik, financed by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ).
"It is our responsibility to create occasions to share our rich culture and language with our neighbours, friends and partners to the 'South', and to impress upon everyone the importance of preserving them. I see in the enthusiastic response to our invitation by business people and the government a gesture of solidarity and respect, a sign of faith in the future and in our mission's success. It also sends a promising sign for our territory's development, which must be done for the benefit of our people, with respect for our land and who we are, and through true collaboration between equals," said Charlie Arngak, President of the Avataq Cultural Institute.
Bringing together so many important players from Inuit communities, the private sector and the government for this cultural event is also unprecedented. "But most of all, it is a signal to the Inuit in the fourteen Northern Québec communities. A signal that says how much we appreciate and respect this people, how much we value their uniqueness and how proud we are of their contributions to the diverse heritages of Québec and the Nations of the world", said Jean-François Arteau, Vice President of Housing Development at the SHQ and honorary president of the evening.
Funds raised during the event will provide tangible support for many projects including the play Kautjajuk, written in Inuktitut by Adamie Kalingo and Alexis Martin, and performed in its original language by 30 young Nunavik actors.
Since 1980, the Avataq Cultural Institute has been working to protect the language and promote the culture and identity of the Inuit people of Nunavik (Northern Québec) so that future generations can thrive from the rich heritage passed down by their ancestors. The Institute is a non-profit organization mandated by Nunavik's Elders' Conference.
SOURCE: AVATAQ
Kitty Gordon
Communication Agent
Makivik Corporation
[email protected]
Marie-Hélène Caron
Associate
NATIONAL Public Relations
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C. 418 905-1193
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