September 28, 2017 to September 8, 2018
Presented in partnership with EVOQ architecture, in collaboration with MONTRÉAL FIRST PEOPLES FESTIVAL, the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Art, Architecture and Traditional Knowledge exhibition was the result of a contest that involved Inuit artists from all over the Nunangat territory (Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut, and Inuvialuit). This initiative was the first of its kind in the history of Canadian Inuit art. Called upon to submit a work of art to be integrated into the architecture of the new Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) built in Ikaluktutiak (Cambridge Bay), Nunavut, the artists created works illustrating the contribution of traditional knowledge to the development of sciences and technologies of international caliber, still in use today, thus putting to light past and present Inuit peoples’ ingenuity and inventiveness (Qanuqtuurniq).
The fifty or so drawings and sculptures presented in this exhibition were created by the winners of this contest: MANASIE AKPALIAPIK, VICTORIA GREY, SAMMY KUDLUK, KOOMUATUK "KUZY" SAPA CURLEY, BOBBY NOKALAK ANAVILOK, ULAAYU PILURTUUT, TIMOOTEE "TIM" PITSIULAK and NINGIUKULU TEEVEE. All artworks fall under the same theme: honoring the timeless creative genius of past and present Inuit.
EVOQ ARCHITECTURE
Helping shape the new indigenous architecture.
EVOQ Architecture (formally known as FGMDA Architects) has offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Iqaluit and employs over 100 professionals. For more than 35 years, the firm has been working with Inuit and First Nations communities all across Canada; Nunavik, Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, Eeyou Istchee, Nitassinan, Mi’kma’ki, Kahnawà:ke and Treaty 8 (BC).
Through this sustained relationship and thanks to the communities’ sharing and mentoring, EVOQ has developed a unique understanding of the Inuit and First Nations’ world view. This, coupled with the firm’s ability to truly listen and set the stage for a creative vision quest dialogue, explains why EVOQ is renowned for the way it successfully translates and expresses various indigenous cultures into their built environment. Their relationship is based on trust and mutual respect. To the knowledge and ingenuity of our indigenous partners, EVOQ brings their know-how to help embody the change each community chooses to bring forward. The firm’s goal is to contribute to the improvement of the wellness and economic development of Inuit and First Nations communities.
LAND INSIGHTS
LAND INSIGHTS is the driving force behind the Montréal First Peoples Festival, a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural event that makes Montreal the nerve centre of indigenous creativity from the three Americas for ten days in August. Upon their foundation in 1990, three strategic objectives were set: create a major First Nations festival in Montreal, commemorate and remember the Great Peace of Montreal 1701 upon its tricentennial, and secure a permanent home for First Cultures in Québec’s metropolis. Their mission: link the artistic and cultural renaissance of First Peoples to the cultural dynamics of a major metropolis within a sustainable development perspective based on friendship between peoples, diversity of sources of expression as a collective cultural wealth to share and recognition of the specificity of First Nations.