Paper short abstract:

the Avataq Cultural Institute, dedicated to the cultural needs of the Inuit of Nunavik, has been experimenting with different museum models. An ongoing project is the rehabilitation of a former Catholic mission, with the ambition to make it a cultural center.

Paper long abstract:

Since the 1970s an aboriginal museology has been emerging and developping in Canada. Indigenous museum-like institutions have been created for the purposes of heritage restitution and reappropriation, and community development. They often play an important role in the preservation of languages and cultural practices.They are used to confront the colonial past and strengthen the cultural resilience of the communities they represent. These museological developments have also been undertaken by Inuit institutions. For example, the Avataq Cultural Institute, established in 1980, is dedicated to the cultural needs of the Inuit of Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and has developed a wide expertise in research and dissemination. The Institute has been experimenting for several years with different museum models. Lately, Avataq's policy has been directed toward the renovation of historic and/or abandoned buildings, while taking into account the need for community consultation, collaboration, and commitment, and the necessity to respond to local needs. An ongoing project is the rehabilitation of the former Catholic mission of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate by the municipality of Kangiqsujuaq, with the ambition to restore this part of the history of the community and make it a cultural center . The building will thus be made suitable for the patrimonial and cultural needs of the inhabitants of the community. This presentation aims at presenting the development of Inuit museology in Nunavik and the stakes of the project of the former Catholic mission of Kangiqsujuaq.