Nattilik Heritage Centre steps onto the world stage

Decorated with snow goggles, musk-oxen, and other Arctic animals, the Nattilik Heritage Centre stands proudly in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. Gaining international interest after the discovery of Sir John Franklin's two wrecked ships, the Nattilik Heritage Society realized now was the time to tell their story for the world to hear.

"The Franklin story is a world-famous mystery, attracting people from all over to learn about the Northwest Passage and learn about the people who live there," said Cameron Campbell, project manager for the Nattilik Heritage Centre.

The Centre opened in late-2013, roughly one year before the discovery of the first Franklin Expedition ship, HMS Erebus, in 2014. The second ship, HMS Terror, was found in 2016. Following the discovery of the wrecks, Parks Canada designated Gjoa Haven as the principal community to help operate the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site.

Work needed to be done to expand the Centre to accommodate for new exhibits showcasing the rich history of Netsilik Inuit, including the Franklin Expedition but also other notable historical events that have taken place on King William Island such as the voyages of explorer Roald Amundsen, whose ship, Gjoa, became a namesake for the community.

Importantly, the expansion would also grow the Centre's capacity to accommodate more use by community members to explore history and tradition through special events and workshops. The Nattilik Heritage Centre is a cultural cornerstone of the Kitikmeot region, giving the community, and region, a multi-purpose facility for education, workshops, and cultural events and festivals, like the Umiyaqtutt Festival.

"The new spaces will provide the community of Gjoa Haven additional spaces to learn and share their knowledge of traditional ways of life, culture, and heritage," Campbell said.

Through funding from Parks Canada, CanNor, the Government of Nunavut and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Nattilik Heritage Centre opened the doors to its newly expanded facility in June 2025. In total, approximately 5,000 square-feet of new space was constructed. With the expansion, the Centre has made the space for intergenerational learning, language revitalization, and cultural celebration, built by, and for, the community.

Guests can visit the Centre's original and new exhibits that combine artifacts with hands-on experiences, where they sit in a seal skin tent, try on Inuit snow goggles, or practice Inuit and naval knot-tying.

A new multipurpose room offers a large open space where groups can meet and mingle, enjoy traditional drum dance shows, participate in art workshops, and witness large sewing groups work on various projects. Guests can learn about the Franklin Expedition story, and how the shipwrecks were discovered with assistance from local Inuit.

The corridor which connects the Centre's existing structure to the addition, provides an immersive experience where people can learn about the Netsilik Inuit and their culture and heritage in the region.

A new gift shop is also filled with local art work, sculptures, and traditional outfits, bringing added economic benefit for local artisans. Finally, there is artifact and general storage, along with additional office space to employ more staff.

And the visitors are coming. Each summer, the Nattilik Heritage Centre anticipates the arrival of several cruise ships to the community of roughly 1,300 people, bringing a steady flow of tourists. Every person setting foot in Gjoa Haven will be able to see something unique about the North, to learn about Inuit and the rich histories and traditions stretching back centuries.

The Nattilik Heritage Centre is positioned to be at the forefront of welcoming visitors and sharing knowledge about their community, Inuit and the Franklin Expedition for years to come.