Illusuak Cultural Centre

The Illusuak Cultural Centre.


About the Project

At the opening of the Illusuak Cultural Centre, Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe offered a beautiful statement on what the centre means to his community and strives to accomplish:

“Illusuak will help bridge the generation gap between elders and youth, encouraging open dialogue, the sharing of traditional knowledge and the vision for the future. The stories that will be told in Illusuak will make Labrador Inuit proud. By understanding where we come from and how we survived as a people, Labrador Inuit will have a better appreciation of who we are as individuals and as a culture continuing to evolve in a modern world.”

Project History

It was an honour to win a contract for this collaborative project in spring 2016. Our client for the Illusuak Cultural Centre was Blue Rhino Design, who worked in consultation with the Nunatsiavut Government and Parks Canada, led by an Advisory Committee of Inuit elders. The task was specific—fabricate and install exhibits for a gallery at the Illusuak Cultural Centre.

The objectives:

  • provide opportunities for Inuit of all ages to understand who they are and where they come from
  • effectively communicate the inseparable relationship between the Inuit, their culture and the vast natural landscape
  • promote awareness, appreciation and respect for Labrador Inuit history and culture
  • facilitate engaging, memorable experiences that capture visitors’ imaginations
  • play a key role in preserving and teaching Inuktitut

Challenges
Managing shipping logistics was also part of our delivery requirements. This task required a sophisticated level of coordination and shipping expertise, as the Illusuak Cultural Centre is located in Nain, Nunatsiavut—the farthest north permanent community in Labrador accessible only by air or sea.

Local Context
Nain is the gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park—a remote and spectacular wilderness area comprising 9,700 square kilometres of the Northern Labrador mountain region. The cultural centre itself is a purpose-built structure of 1,300 square metres, designed by Newfoundland-born, Norway-based architect Todd Saunders, who used the form of traditional Labrador Inuit sod houses as inspiration.

Services
Design detailing, fabrication, shipping and logistics coordination, on-site installation

Location
Nain, Nunatsiavut

Completed
December 2018

Size
325 sq. m. (3,500 sq. ft.)