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Tivi Inuit Art Galleries was started in December of 1995. We were already operating a business and had an opportunity
to move to the airport in Kuujjuaq. I had always loved Inuit Art and felt that there should be a place where it could be properly appreciated and purchased in Kuujjuaq. This would also benefit
the many Inuit artists in the region. Our late friend and mentor, Fred Coman of COMAN GALLERY in Iqaluit was
a strong supporter and sent us an assortment of sculptures to get started with. We also purchased art from the Federation
des Cooperatives du Nouveau Quebec. Gradually word filtered out and we began purchasing pieces directly from the artists
themselves.
In the summer of 2006 we were able to purchase a building in town not too far from the airport, across from the Auberge
Kuujjuaq Inn. The Gallery is presently located here. To date, we are still the only gallery in Nunavik, Canada. We strongly feel that Nunavik Art has its own distinct style, quite different from the rest of the Inuit art world.
Dave Forrest (Tivi) first moved up to Nunavik in July 1972 to work as a “gofer” on construction
for the Department of Indian Affairs. After various jobs in the District Office for Indian Affairs in Kuujjuarpik
and Kuujjuaq, he headed south to university to become a teacher. Returning to the North in 1977, he taught elementary school
for 7 years.
Becoming somewhat discouraged with the education system he entered the small business world. Dave was involved in numerous
partnerships and eventually started TIVI INC. in the summer of 1987.
Dave has always been involved in the community. He has sat on the boards of: the Nunavik Tourism Association,
Nunavik Investment Council, Kuujjuaq Education Committee, amongst others.
Presently he is on the board of the: Isuarsivik Treatment Centre (Chair), Kuujjuaq Youth Camp (President)
and the Nunavik Coordinating Committee on Youth Protection. Dave is also a Volunteer Fire Fighter (17
years) and is “Akela” for the Kuujjuaq Cub Pack (30 years)
Dave has 3 daughters and a son; all consider themselves, and are considered to be Inuit. He also has 3 grandchildren.
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