The Inuit Heritage Trust has announced the signing of a contract between Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), the federal government, and the GN.

Funding worth $50 million will go towards the construction of the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre (NIHC) in Iqaluit. That's roughly one-third of the estimated $150 million price tag to build it. The expected completion date is 2030 and when it's done, it's expected to measure around 6,000 sq. m and house more than 200,000 Inuit cultural belongings that are currently in the south.

SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½œThe cultural belongings are near and dear to our hearts and we want them returned home where they belong," stated IHT president Donna Adams. "Our vision is that the centre will allow the telling of Inuit history through our eyes while enabling for continuity in cultural traditions allowing future generations of Inuit to learn and appreciate their heritage, culture and language through a sustained program. This is meaningful and lasting reconciliation."

The NIHC will also serve as a cultural hub for learning, engagement, and traditional practices, added the release, and will feature workshop spaces for woodworking, printing, sewing and beading, butchering, and skin preparation.

Event space and a theatre with an estimated capacity of around 200 people are part of the plans as well.

SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½œArchaeological record of Inuit use and occupancy in the Arctic is thousands of years old," stated NTI president Jeremy Tunraluk. "Yet, to this day, the clothing, tools and art of our ancestors languish in anonymous storage facilities thousands of kilometres away. With CanadaSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s commitment, we can imagine a day where Inuit will connect with this part of our history, knowledge and identity at home in Nunavut."