NationTalk: Winnipeg, Manitoba: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq and the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see expanded opportunities and support for the Inuit community in Manitoba.

WAG-Qaumajuq and MIA have shared values and interests in supporting the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of the Inuit community through education, networking, improved employment and training, and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Through these shared values, our two organizations have committed to launching new initiatives and knowledge sharing.

Initial initiatives will include tours in Inuktitut, community gatherings, mentorship, and the creation of a working group to review descriptions of Inuit artwork in the WAG-Qaumjauq Permanent Collection. The MIA Inuit Student Mentorship Program will have free use of the WAG-Qaumajuq spaces, and WAG-Qaumajuq will dedicate staff to give private tours to the student group and collaborate on program ideas.

Quick Facts:

• The Memorandum of Understanding will be established initially for three years, with the possibility of extension if both parties agree.
• The MOU acknowledges the shared values and interests of WAG-Qaumajuq and MIA, namely the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the Inuit community; education for non-Inuit about Inuit culture, knowledge, and ways of being; acknowledging the importance of sustaining and incorporating Indigenous languages into institutional frameworks; improving education, employment and training outcomes for Inuit in Manitoba; and ensuring every Inuk has the opportunity to acclimate to the south by creating opportunities for getting together and networking.
• Through this partnership, WAG-Qaumajuq and MIA will launch new initiatives, including Gallery tours in Inuktitut, community gatherings for Inuit in Manitoba, knowledge sharing, a working group review of the WAG-Qaumajuq Inuit art collection, employed mentorship opportunities for Inuit, and closer collaboration with MIA Inuit Student Mentorship Program.
• The official signing took place during Nunavut Day celebrations at WAG-Qaumajuq on July 9, 2023. For photos of this exciting signing, please visit wag.ca/locked.

Quotes:

“We could not be more excited to expand the opportunities we’re able to offer to both Inuit artists and the Inuit community in Manitoba through our new partnership with the Manitoba Inuit Association. Inuktitut will be heard throughout the Galleries, as is only fitting for Qaumajuq, home to thousands of works by brilliant Inuit artists.”

— Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq

“I truly believe that this partnership is a testament of both our organization’s willingness to work together to continue to show appreciation and dedication of supporting the Inuit community. This partnership is a step in the right direction to showcase our common interests of working with Inuit artists and the Inuit community.”

— Nastania Mullin, Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Inuit Association

“Partnering with the Manitoba Inuit Association to better serve the Inuit community and build strong relationships is one of the ways we’re acting on our commitment to serve our community. Qaumajuq is a place for Inuit, and we’re thrilled to be able to support the work of the Manitoba Inuit Association.”

— Julia Lafreniere, Head of Indigenous Ways & Equity, WAG-Qaumajuq

Associated Links

Manitoba Inuit Association

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Hanna Waswa
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
hwaswa@wag.ca