Benoit Aquin
By Sylvie Côté Chew in collaboration with Louis Gagnon
In Kangiqsujuaq, on November 30, 2007, as part of the official opening of Pingualuit National Park, a permanent exhibition housed in the new park’s Interpretation Centre and designed by Avataq Cultural Institute was inaugurated. Premier Jean Charest cut the ceremonial sealskin ribbon in the presence of elders Amaamak Jaaka and Naalak Nappaaluk. Also in attendance were Maggie Emudluk, Pita Aatami, Mary A. Pilurtuut and Charlie Arngaq. News media covering the event included Radio-Canada, TVA, APTN, TNI, Nunatsiaq News, Makivik Magazine, CBC North and La Presse Canadienne.
The permanent exhibition had its genesis in the summer of 2002, when the Katavik Regional Government (KRG) requested the Atavaq Cultural Institute to draw up a list of cultural content for inclusion in the new park’s Educational Plan, then under preparation by the ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP).
Development of a permanent exhibition was the first stage in implementing the Educational Plan. Placing the utmost importance on faithfully representing the local culture, Avataq wrote a project proposal for the permanent exhibition in close collaboration with the community of Kangiqsujuaq. The project proposal was in turn submitted to and approved by the KRG. Over the years, the initial ideas laid out in the proposal have evolved to reflect the objectives and vision of the Service des parcs of the MDDEP, the governmental body responsible for overseeing the creation of provincial parks in Nunavik.
Five years have passed since then. In that time, four crossings were made by sea, three pre-exhibitions were held, and the more than 30 people directly involved in the project logged tens of thousands of hours of sustained effort and meticulous work. Local residents and many other individuals shared their (often exceptional) knowledge, photos, drawings and sound recordings with us, as well as helping with tasks of printing, packing and transportation. Here we have the final result: an exhibition highlighting not only the spectacular natural features of the Ungava Plateau and Crater, but also the history and culture, both material and immaterial, of the people of Kangiqsujuaq. Our collection of rare and special artefacts has a unique feature that sets it apart from other museums: all of the artefacts belonged at one time to individuals that are known and respected by local residents to this day. On display are objects that were created and used by Kangiqsujuarmiuts, including everyday household implements, works of art, and high-resolution photographs. Locals even donated some ancient artefacts so that they would be safely preserved and exposed at the Interpretation Center. This is a unique interpretive site – incomparable not only in Nunavik, but also internationally.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
Acknowledgements and thanks are as great as the task itself :
