Executive Council
November 15, 2011
Funding Supports New Craft Centre for Makkovik
The Makkovik Inuit Community Government, with an investment of $87,500 from the Provincial Government, is re-building the Makkovik Craft Centre. The new centre, which replaces the original facility that was closed in 2007, will serve as the home for local craft producers as they develop their products and use it as a venue for visitors to participate in the production of traditional craft products.
“Valued at more than $32 million, the craft sector is very much a business-focused industry, in addition to playing an important role in the preservation of an area’s culture and heritage,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “With this investment, the Provincial Government is helping to create an environment where craft producers can develop and sell their products, and introduce visitors to the area’s culture and heritage.”
Scheduled for completion in winter 2012, the new centre will be owned by the Makkovik Inuit Community Government and operated by the Makkovik Craft Council. Craft producers located in the centre will develop a wide range of traditional products and crafts such as slippers, skinboots, parkas, and snowshoes.
“The making of traditional crafts is an important instrument for economic development and employment and is helping to preserve the valued skills that are integral to Inuit customs and traditions,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. “The new Makkovik Craft Centre will showcase and support the production of Inuit crafts and serve as an essential piece of tourism infrastructure for the community.”
The new centre will also house a tourism information centre and the offices of the economic/tourism development coordinator that will be employed by the Makkovik Inuit Community Government. It will be located at the corner of Harmony Road and Middle Drive in Makkovik.
“Craft production is a significant contributor to community life here in Makkovik,” said Janine Lightfoot, Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator, Makkovik Inuit Community Government. “There is a large base of craft producers and residents who will benefit from having a craft centre in the community. The construction of a new building will be a great investment for the people, and with the help from our financial sponsors, we are building our capacity to best serve our community needs. Moreover, by having a brand new craft centre, we are able to contribute to our economic base.”
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. The program, through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins Director of Communications Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat 709-729-1674, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
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Janine Lightfoot Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Makkovik Inuit Community Government 709-923-2221 |
2011 11 15 11:10 a.m.