Cultural Center Part 3.

Going back more than several decades there was no rhyme or reason to development in Nain, and most of the other communities. The Moravian Church owned most of the land, you asked the church for permission to build and that was it.
Even after town councils were formed development was a mish mass as the church still held title to the land.

During the early days of land claims negotiations a deal was struck between LIA and the church, most of the land was handed over to either the town councils or LIA or to home or business owners who were given title to the land their homes or businesses were on.
Home land was a $1 if LIA, more for non LIA and businesses. Owner was responsible for all legal fees.

As time passed town plans were developed with provincial municipal laws and by-laws taking precedence. By the way it is still that way under self government.

Anyway there was some order and reason in the development of the communities.

Now we seem to be going back several decades with this deal struck between certain parties and the town council behind closed doors and with no consultation or dialogue with the public.

Precedent setting one would think.

An anonymous commenter mentioned funding for the Cultural center. They are correct, I would think that different sources would be sourced. Incorrect in claiming provincial funding sources, if any they would be insignificant.

My basis for thinking this is based on much anecdotal evidence for the most part. On many occasions when funding is applied for from various groups for equipment and infrastructure to the provincial government civil servants are not shy about directing the askers in Nunatsiavut Governments direction with words similar to *they have plenty of money go ask them *. Not true but that is their Newfoundland centric way of thinking.

My best guess at funding sources would be federal Government departments, NG and Parks Canada.

It is already public knowledge that Parks is a major mover and shaker within Nunatsiavut. Mainly in tourism but in other spheres as well.

I think Parks are putting up at least one third to one quarter of the money required for the building. The amount is probably increasing as I write.

For this Parks gets a nice bit of space in the building at the detriment to some departments of the Torngasok Cultural Center staff.
So to call it a Cultural Center is a slight misnomer. I have heard it said the translation department wont get a seat in the building.

With language being an integral part of the Inuit Culture this seems odd, but then who knows how things will work out and perhaps there are administrative reasons for this thinking.

There is much more I would like to write on this subject of who pulls strings and who jumps and dangles. But for now I will hold my own counsel

Long and the short of it:

Does Nunatsiavut need a cultural center? Yes.
Does Nunatsiavut need a cultural center like right now? Would be nice but at what cost, both financial and potential negative effect on social and language programs.
Does Nunatsiavut need a cultural center slash Parks Canada center? The original concept was for a stand alone Cultural center. This would be the ideal concept, why this joint venture is a mystery to me, very detrimental to any hope of autonomy for Inuit to my way of thinking.
Does Nunatsiavut need a cultural center slash Parks Canada center on the site chosen?
Nope.
The cost of engineering and ground work make the final costs an unknown. Then there is the unknown environmental effects both on the building and to the ground water flows in the community.

Further to:  The power supply has been on my mind (and not only for new construction) but have not given it a lot of attention, perhaps that should change after coming across this article, time to worry folks.