Kivalliq Inuit Association Commits $200,000 to the Nunavut Media Arts Centre

The Kivalliq Inuit Association announced a commitment of $200,000 to the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation for the construction of the Nunavut Media Arts Centre.

“KIA has always supported Inuit broadcasting, and IBC is an important part of today’s Inuit culture right across the Territory,” said Donna Adams, Treasurer of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. “We’re proud to join the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association in supporting the exciting Media Arts Centre project. It’s clear that Inuit everywhere in Nunavut want this to happen.”

The Kivalliq region has been an important part of the history of broadcasting in Nunavut, with two of the original Inukshuk project sites in Baker Lake and Arviat. The region is home to many of Nunavut’s most recognized and honoured broadcasters, from Super Shamou to Martin Kreelak. Lorne Kusugak was one of IBC’s founding directors, Jose Kusugak one of its most successful broadcasters, and the popular Charlie Panigoniak one of its first trainees.

Madeleine d'Argencourt, Chair of the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, is delighted at the unanimous show of support from all of Nunavut’s Inuit Associations. “We are grateful and honoured to receive this donation from KIA," says d'Argencourt. "For thirty years now, the Kivalliq has been a key source of talent, programming, inspiration and support for IBC. This generous contribution underlines the message that IBC is Nunavut’s public producer , serving and reflecting Inuit across the territory.”

Fundraising for the project is ongoing, and IBC is currently awaiting confirmation of Federal and Territorial commitments to the project. IBC plans to launch a website to chart the fundraising campaign and to enable on line secure donation. In the meantime, IBC is equipped to accept donations and will issue charitable tax receipts.

The Nunavut Media Arts Centre is scheduled to open in summer of 2013.