New look MICEC building opens to community

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This article was published 7/7/2010 (3423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A North Point Douglas landmark officially reopend last week after more than a year of planning and $2 million in renovations.

The Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre welcomed members of the public to their refurbished building on Wed., June 30.

It was an opportunity for visitors to check out upgrades to the facility, which is home to more than 10,000 books, 400 DVDs and numerous pieces of aboriginal art and artifacts.

Glenn Hudson, Chief of the Peguis First Nation, said the new facility will help bridge gaps in the understanding of aboriginal history.

"We need to have more understanding and facilities such as MICEC provide that," he said.

MICEC executive director Dennis Daniels said that the renovations to the facility were long overdue. The building is now much more culturally appropriate and environmentally friendly, he said.

"We always had all of the artifacts, however we could never display them," Daniels said. "Some have been in storage for 35 years."

The renovations include an expanded library space, community kitchen, terrarium and space for additional programming.

"We are planning on setting up a language program as well starting with Ojibway and Cree languages," Daniels said.

Sel Burrows, a North Point Douglas advocate, said the MICEC, located at 119 Sutherland Ave., is an important part of the community.

"The aboriginal community makes up about 50% of North Point Douglas. They have played a large role in making this area safe again."

Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, said the facility is a much more vibrant and accessible space.

"What strikes me is that the renovation has managed to capture and reflects not only the intent of the facility but also what Manitoba is all about. All the strings of the province are right here."

The facility is now open the general public. For more info call 942-0228.

rob.brown@canstarnews.com

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