Our History
Since its founding in 1980, the Avataq Cultural Institute has been a cornerstone for preserving and promoting Inuit culture in Nunavik, Northern Quebec.
Established to safeguard the rich heritage of Nunavimmiut, Avataq has grown into a leading cultural organization, recognized across Canada and beyond. Its mission is to ensure that Inuit language, traditions, and identity thrive for future generations.
Avataq’s early initiatives included the inaugural Nunavik Elders Conference in Kangirsuk in 1981, highlighting the vital role of elders in Inuit society. Over the decades, the Institute has expanded its efforts through programs in language preservation, archaeology, museology, and education.
Notable achievements include the salvage of the Saputik Museum’s collections in Puvirnituq, and the publication of works such as the Kasudluak Encyclopedia in Inuktitut.
Tumivut magazine has been published since 1990. It includes interviews from the Avataq Documentation Center, Oral History Archives, and features historical photos. It’s written in Inuktitut, French, and English.
Avataq’s strength lies in its commitment to local pride—nurturing a museum, and Local Cultural Committees that pulse with Inuit spirit. Through rich archives, inspiring publications, and student programs, Avataq blends tradition with modern flair, ensuring the wisdom of ancestors fuels the dreams of our Inuit youth.
Join us in celebrating this unstoppable journey!
Nunavik Inuit Elders Conference
Held annually until 1998 in Salluit, the conference transitioned to a biannual event from 2000 onward. Elders at the conference get to express their concerns, hopes, and fears about the preservation of our Inuit language and culture. Their knowledge, wisdom and experiences provide a continuing connection with our past, and for the benefit of our future.
The Avataq Cultural Institute derives its mandate from the elders’ conferences, and the numerous resolutions passed over the decades. The mandate is to protect, promote and preserve our Language and Culture.
All the activities that Avataq does are based on the requests of the elders during these Elder Conferences, to help instill their knowledge in our fellow Inuit.