Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, May 31st will mark the first anniversary of the opening of the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts in Pangnirtung. This centre is owned and operated by the Uqqurmiut Inuit Artists Association, of which I have the pleasure of being a volunteer board member. Other volunteer board members are: Rose Okpik, the chairperson; Lazalusie Ishulutaq; Josea Maniapik; Ipeelee Alivaktuk; Judy Anilniliak; Geela Keenainak; Joelie Maniapik; Jamasie Mike; and Simon Shaimaiyuk.
The Uqqurmiut Inuit Artists Association was originally founded in 1987 when the community became concerned about the potential closure of our print shop. The association established itself as a corporation without share capital on April 27, 1988, thereby opening the door to accessing government assistance as a not-for-profit community venture. Membership in this unique organization is open to all Inuit artists of Pangnirtung for a nominal fee. The company is owned in common by the artists of Pangnirtung and all proceeds are used to benefit the arts community.
But, Mr. Speaker, Uqqurmiut is far more than just an arts and crafts enterprise. The association's mission is aimed at keeping the traditional and contemporary art of the Eastern Arctic alive. Emphasis is placed on allowing artists not only to participate in, but also to control, the development and marketing of their products.
The association also works to keep our heritage alive through educational programming. This will be the third year that high school students in Pangnirtung will be invited to participate in special programs which teach basic weaving skills.
The association offers regular Saturday workshops for any members of our community who wish to learn traditional artistic techniques, and it has sponsored our young artists to attend Arctic College workshops throughout the Baffin Region.
Ms. Okpik has also represented the North as a delegate to the federal task force on museums and First Peoples. Uqqurmiut has exciting plans for the development of carving, print making and archive facilities within its already successful arts centre...