Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Society

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Society (NSMS) was formed in 1969 by Tom Webster and Dave Fisher of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The two organized a board of directors. The museum's first activity was acquisition of Inuit sculptures and other arts and crafts from various communities in the Eastern Arctic. The museum operates as a heritage institution for the purpose of collecting, conserving, studying, interpreting and exhibiting objects, specimens and activities which represent the local natural and cultural history. In 1970 Queen Elizabeth came to Iqaluit which prompted the need for a permanent facility, the museum's displays were then set up temporarily in the local library. Then in 1976 - until 1985 -- the NWT Liquor Board building lent some of its rooms for displays and community programs. In 1983, Joanne Bird became the first paid director. She arranged for the permanent facility, a former Hudson Bay Company building which was moved and renovated in the museum society's current location. Under Bird and subsequent directors, the permanent displays were created, outreach, school programs and elders programs and oral history projects. (Staff Directors: Amy Karlinsky, 1987-1989 Leah Inutiq, 1989-1990 and Denise Bekkema, 1991-1994 Brian Lunger, 1998-present).