Benoit Aquin
By Simon Ménard
Avataq Cultural Institute had one of the most frequented booths at the Northern Lights 2008 Trade Show held at the Ottawa Congress Centre from January 30 to February 3, 2008. The event brought together businesses from across Northern Canada, including the Inuit regions of Nunavut, Nunatsiavut (Labrador) and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). The trade show participants came to meet with representatives from businesses in the south, as well as to share knowledge and culture between Inuit from different communities.
Avataq was represented by Executive Director Rhoda Kokiapik and Elisapi Novalinga. Simon Menard was on hand to promote Avataq’s Northern Delights Herbal Teas. Every speaker at Northern Lights received a beautiful wooden gift box of our teas, which were also served to the all of the delegates in the refreshment area and at the Avataq booth. A wonderful way to promote the North and Nunavik!
Elisapi Novalinga and Rhoda Kokiapik at the Avataq booth (Photo by Heiko Wittenborn)
During the three days of exhibitions, delegates could visit booths advocating different northern industries: mining, water supply, tourism, transportation, distribution, manufacturing, etc. Panels on northern issues were scheduled in the morning and throughout the day. There was also a substantial Arts and Craft Show, where dozens of Inuit artists displayed their work in a gallery setting. Nunavik artists included Sammy J. Kudluk, Elisapie Weetaluktuk, Victoria Grey, Elisapie Inukpuk, and George Pilurtuut. Inuit artists also performed at the event, including throatsinger Akinisie Sivuraapik, musician Beatrice Deer (both from Nunavik) and Nunavut’s Artcirq circus troupe.
Avataq was invited to attend the Northern Lights Trade Show by the Kativik Regional Government, and our booth was located in the Nunavik section along with Makivik, FCNQ, Nunavik Tourism Association, and KRG. Avataq sold Northern Delights Herbal Teas and made excellent contacts for future distribution. The public was very interested in what the Institute is doing. There is a growing interest for the north, as people become more and more of aware of the business opportunities. Here is a phrase that resumes the Northern Lights 2008 Trade Show quite well: The North is open for business!
