OTTAWA, July 12, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced the transfer of the responsibility for the management of the Igloo Tag trademark to the Inuit Art Foundation (IAF). This will increase the Inuit art community's ability to regulate art in a way that benefits Inuit artists and helps preserve the value of Inuit cultural heritage for generations to come.
With its national mandate, the Inuit Art Foundation is uniquely positioned to take on this important responsibility and to further protect, promote and support the contributions made by Inuit artists, here in Canada and around the world.
The Government of Canada also released a study on the impact of the Inuit arts economy. This report will inform policy development to better support Inuit arts and artists in Canada.
These measures demonstrate the Government of Canada's continuing commitment to support arts and Indigenous culture, and are tangible evidence of the government's ongoing efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Quotes
"Our government recognizes that protecting, revitalizing, and promoting Inuit language, culture, and identity can dramatically improve socio-economic outcomes, leading to stronger, more confident generations. Actions like transferring the rights of the Igloo Tag trademark to the Inuit Art Foundation are small, but powerful steps on the journey of decolonization. The Igloo Tag supports Inuit artists and culture and we are pleased that it will now be managed by an Inuit-led organization."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"On behalf of the Inuit Art Foundation, I am pleased that we are taking on the Igloo Tag as part of our programming that supports Inuit artists across the country. I am excited to build on its long legacy and see how it can continue to grow and support artists into the future."
Mathew Nuqingaq
President, Inuit Art Foundation
"ITK fully supports the Inuit Art Foundation taking administrative control of the Igloo Tag from the Government of Canada. ITK believes the IAF will engage with Inuit organizations, communities, and artists to ensure this important program enhances and protects Inuit artists"
Natan Obed
National Inuit Leader and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Quick Facts
- The Inuit Art Foundation is a national organization that promotes Inuit artists across Canada and internationally.
- Originally created in 1958, the Igloo Tag has been managed by the Government of Canada and by private, art wholesalers. This is the first time it will be managed by an Inuit-led organization.
- In 2015 the Inuit arts economy contributed $87.2 million to Canadian GDP (visual arts and crafts, performing arts, film, media, writing and publishing).
- The economic activity attributable to Inuit arts created or sustained over 2,700 full time equivalent jobs in Canada, with the vast majority held by individuals across Inuit Nunangat.
- 26 percent (13,650) of the Inuit population aged 15 years and older is engaged in the production of visual arts and crafts.
Associated Links
http://www.inuitartfoundation.org/
Stay Connected
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Flickr.
You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
SOURCE Government of Canada
media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-687-8316; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
Share this article