Nain’s Illusuak Cultural Centre is a space for Labrador Inuit to celebrate history and culture
The new Illusuak Cultural Centre in Nain, Labrador, offers a space for Labrador Inuit to celebrate their history and culture
HHUGGING THE SHORES of Unity Bay in northern Labrador is the Inuit community of Nain in the selfgoverning autonomous region of Nunatsiavut. Amongst the modest wooden homes and outbuildings, one building on the waterfront stands out: the new Illusuak Cultural Centre.
The sweeping curves of the centre’s exterior walls, finished with spruce wood, echo the meandering shoreline and weathered, rounded mountains that surround Nain. But while the building is unique and modern, it does not feel out of place in this community of just over 1,000 people.
“It was years in the making; we first started talking about building a cultural centre in the 1990s,” says Torngat Mountains National Park Superintendent Gary Baikie. Progress really began, however, following community consultations in 2010, when Labrador Inuit voiced what they wanted to see in such a space.
“It far exceeded my expectations,” says Baikie. “I couldn’t have imagined the centre turning out so well.”
Officially opened in November 2019, Illusuak is brimming with Labrador Inuit history and culture, right down to its name — an illusuak is a type of sod house traditionally used by Inuit families for shelter during the cold Labrador winters. Renowned architect Todd Saunders, who also designed Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn, took inspiration from these traditional structures when designing the building’s unique shape. The three distinct rounded sections of the building represent three sod houses, which were often built together to act as gathering places for families during the long winter months.
Inside the centre are exhibits about Nunatsiavut communities featuring an array of handicrafts, tools, clothing and artwork. Photos of northern life past and present line the walls. There’s also a state-of-the-art auditorium and multipurpose room, office space occupied by the Nunatsiavut government and Parks Canada, a craft shop and a café offering up stunning views of the bay. The centre is designed to host community members and visitors alike. It is a place for Labrador Inuit to come and celebrate their way of life, says Baikie.
“When [community members] first went inside the building and saw the quality of the place, they said they couldn’t believe they were in Nain anymore. The exhibits about our own history made everyone here full of pride.”
The centre also serves as an important jumping off point for people visiting Nunatsiavut and Torngat Mountains National Park, located north of Nain. “It will give [visitors] a good understanding of who we are and where we come from,” says Baikie.
While Baikie is excited to welcome visitors from around the world to Illusuak, he says as a Labrador Inuk what he is most excited about is the impact the centre will have on young people looking to explore their identity.
“I hope when young Inuit walk out of this place they feel a sense of pride and a better understanding of who they are.”