Aanischaaukamikw is the cultural centre for the nine Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee in Northern Quebec. This major new facility, designed by celebrated architect Douglas Cardinal, is located in Oujé-Bougoumou, QC, a community of 700 persons. Aanischaaukamikw is a multi-purpose cultural entity, bringing together regional cultural programming for the Cree Nation for all to share on-site, on-line, and throughout the communities. This 30,150 square foot building has a 3,000 sq. ft. long-term and temporary exhibition spaces, visible storage, a library and archives, state-of-the-art collection storage (including archaeology) and work space for some 40 staff.Aanischaaukamikw has as its foundation in the concept of aanischaa, which refers to a bridging or continuity, to ensure that Cree traditions, knowledge and values are passed on from generation to generation. Aanischaaukamikw is be both a place of healing and a place in which to celebrate, protect and enhance Cree language and culture. Our education and interpretation programming is both engaging and exciting, reaching across generations and beyond our territory to the world. With the involvement of Elders in all aspects of Cree culture, we support healing and traditional gatherings, promote Cree artists, produce, collect archival and historical materials for the centre's library and archives, and support and promote research pertaining to Cree culture and history. In recent years, extensive research was carried out on Eeyou Istchee traditions relating to the land, especially place names, stories and legends, historic sites and archaeology. Aanischaaukamikw also provides technical support for the preservation and proper management of historical documentation of the Cree Nation.Aanischaaukamikw is a charitable, not-for-profit corporation. Aanischaaukamikw not only attracts Crees, but other First Nations from Canada, tourists and visitors from across Canada and Europe.