George Simpson McTavish
In its role as Nunavik’s official archival centre, conservation is carried out in a professional manner in keeping with current archival standards. Historical documents, Inuit oral history recordings, Inuit manuscripts, anthropological archives, historical photographs and the most recent publications by regional organizations are all represented in our files.
With a mandate to promote dissemination of the archival information, first and foremost among the Nunavimmiut, the Documentation and Archival Centre also serves researchers, media and other interested parties. The Centre encourages the establishment of local libraries and other resource centres.
We are currently engaged in collecting material for archival fonds, in the form of recordings and donations from various organizations and households throughout the region. This undertaking is pressing, as much of the material we seek is under threat of total deterioration due to inadequate storage conditions and a lack of active preservation efforts.
Since its founding, the Institute has recognized the invaluable role of elders in Inuit society. The Avataq Cultural Institute therefore spearheaded the first Nunavik Elders Conference, held in Kangirsuk in 1981.
Activities include the construction of qarmaqs (earthen huts), sealskin tents, traditional umiaqs (sealskin boats) and kayaks; language workshops; and making bannock, kamik, puurtaq and avataq.
