Today also marked the second day taking part in activities and presentations for the combined Kivalliq Energy Forum and Northern Perspectives conference. Held every two years, the Northern Perspectives conference will see artists, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and policymakers gathering to explore the opportunities and potential of strengthened relationships between Nunavut and Manitoba.
Hosted at Qaumajuq and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the first day of Northern Perspectives 2024 began with a warm welcome from Shawn Lester, Partner at Lester Landau, setting the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
The morning sessions explored critical aspects of Nunavut’s economic development. The first conference session, chaired by Victor Tootoo of NVision Insight Group, focused on the pressing issue of housing and construction in Nunavut. Leaders such as Clarence Synard of NCC Investment Group Inc. and Evan Schellenberg of Arctic Fresh Projects shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the housing sector.
Food and refreshments for the day’s events were sponsored by Atuqtuarvik Corporation, the conference shifted its focus to transportation in the region. Moderated by Victor Tootoo, panelists including Gary Bell of Calm Air and Mark Colley of EPLS Group of Companies discussed the pivotal role of transportation infrastructure in fostering growth and connectivity.
The highlight of the day was the lunch session featuring keynote speaker Kono Tattuinee, President of Kivalliq Inuit Association, sponsored by EPLS Group of Companies. Tattuinee’s address emphasized the importance of collaboration and highlighted key initiatives driving economic development with the Kivalliq, Nunavut’s second-largest administrative district.
The afternoon session continued the momentum with a focus on the Port of Churchill and sealift resupply. Led by Derek Earl of KPMG, industry leaders such as Michael Woelcke of Arctic Gateway Group shared insights into leveraging this vital transportation hub to enhance trade connections and bolster Nunavut’s economy.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to explore the trade show at the Skylight Gallery, organized by the Kivalliq Inuit Association, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Nunavut.
The most anticipated part of the conference is the return of the popular Artists Marketplace, which was been cancelled since 2022. Hosted alongside the conference every two years, and returning to the Winnipeg Art Gallery Feb 27-29, 2024.
Open to the public in the Ilavut section of Qaumajuq, this year’s featured artists include: Jeanine Nowdluk, David Nibgorsi and Alakan White, among many others. From fur to fashion, caribou antler carving to jewellery there’s a wide selection to choose from and the event supports northern artists and culture sector workers. The marketplace was featured on CBC Igalaaq with host Eva Michael on February 27! Thanks to everyone at CBC for making this great story for the artists and cultural sector possible.
The artists marketplace is open until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Please come out and support our vibrant local and northern arts and culture economy!
Sneak Peek
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Explore 3D Space
And last but not least, we wanted to explore creating a digital twin of the marketplace. It was done with a mobile phone instead of the fancy Matterport LIDAR cameras, but it’s still the same concept. The artists and youth media team would love to be able to do this again with better technology.
