About Us

Vision Statement: A vibrant sustainable network united in protecting, interpreting and promoting Nunavut's rich heritage, in all it's forms, by creating links with our past, present and future.

Mission Statement: Facilitating a collective support network towards building capacity through promotion, education, and preservation of Nunavut's heritage.

We are a group of committed heritage professionals spread across Nunavut. We decided that through collaboration, mutual support and advocacy, we could overcome our common challenges to growth and development of Nunavut's heritage sector.

The NHN was first created in a semi-formalized way in during the first face-to-face workshop of twenty-one (21) heritage stakeholders from across Nunavut during January 25-27th, 2005. This meeting was part of a project spearheaded by Inuit Heritage Trust Inc. (IHT) to create a heritage sector needs assessment and a strategic plan to meet our needs - collaboratively. This was a pivotal moment because for the first time, those (many of which are not-for-profits) working towards strengthened heritage programming and recognition in the territory were asked to set the direction for future interaction and development.

Those present purposely decided NOT to become a registered society as in other jurisdictions (ex. provincial museum associations) because most did not want to be on another board. Heritage workers are stretched time wise by their work, family and community commitments. The first members of the NHN interim steering committee were: Ericka Chemko (Inuit Heritage Trust Inc.), Jim Shirley (Matchbox Gallery), Colleen Rusk (Kitikmeot Heritage Society), Lucy Quasa (Nattinnak Centre), Brian Lunger (Nunatta Sunaakutaangit Museum), Beth Beattie (NACA) and John Jamieson (Najuqsivik Society).

We realized that as a sector or community, we are only as strong as our different skills, abilities and passion for heritage combined. Geographical distance leaves us feeling isolated and funding doesn't allow for frequent, if any, travel.