Friends United International Convention Centre
A Cultural Meeting Place in Cape Breton
The Friends United International Convention Centre in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, is a gathering place for Indigenous art, cultural education, collaboration, and respectful dialogue. It provides the setting for many Friends United conversations, artist collaborations, and reconciliation talks.
This short 2-minute walk-through offers a first impression of the Friends United International Convention Centre in Unama’ki, Cape Breton. It shows some of the rooms, artworks, carvings, drums, masks, murals, and gathering spaces that make the centre a living place of cultural exchange.
The video helps visitors understand the setting behind many Friends United conversations, performances, collaborations, and reconciliation talks. It is not a museum tour, but a glimpse into a place where Indigenous artists, guests, and friends from different backgrounds come together through art, dialogue, and shared respect.
A Place for Indigenous Art, Culture, and Dialogue
The “Friends United” International Convention Centre complex was constructed for the purpose of honouring all Indigenous North American peoples and celebrating their culture and heritage.
It features the largest private collection in Atlantic Canada of Indigenous art including Inuit carvings. Since many seminars with an international audience are being held at the centre, it allows the Indigenous artists belonging to the “Friends United” initiative to display their artwork to a worldwide audience.
Both the Friends United International Convention Centre and the Friends United initiative aim at supporting Indigenous artists on their spiritual, artistic, and entrepreneurial journeys. The “Friends United” initiative is known to many people worldwide and has assisted in making Indigenous artists spiritual and cultural ambassadors for Canada.
The “Friends United” initiative and the ”Friends United” International Convention Centre Complex are not funded by any government agencies or other parties. Both are solely funded and supported by the Bouman Group which consists of Canadian Pioneer Estates Ltd., Canec Land Developments Inc., Kelly Robertson Consulting Inc. and (Ad)Venture Canada Publishing Inc.
Friends United International Convention Centre Aerial View
Aerial view of the Friends United International Convention Centre, artist residences, and studios for art creation in Cape Breton.
Friends United International Convention Centre Exterior Entrance View
The entrance of the Friends United International Convention Centre in Cape Breton.
Friends United International Convention Centre Exterior at sunset
The Friends United International Convention Centre in Cape Breton.
Main Hall at Friends United International Convention Centre
Main hall inside the Friends United International Convention Centre with Indigenous artwork and totem poles.
Lounge Area at Friends United International Convention Centre
Lounge area inside the Friends United International Convention Centre, with artwork, seating, and a remembrance feature.
Welcome Area at Friends United International Convention Centre
Welcome area inside the Friends United International Convention Centre with carved woodwork and Indigenous artwork.
Gallery Corridor at Friends United International Convention Centre
Gallery corridor inside the Friends United International Convention Centre with Indigenous paintings displayed along the walls.
Gathering Room at Friends United International Convention Centre
A gathering room inside the Friends United International Convention Centre, framed by carved totem poles and beams.
Staircase and Drum Area at Friends United Convention Centre
Interior area with drums, artwork, and a staircase inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Gordon Fiddler Artwork at Friends United Convention Centre
Artwork by Gordon Fiddler displayed inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Gallery Room at Friends United International Convention Centre
Gallery room inside the Friends United International Convention Centre with display cases and Indigenous artwork.
454-Year-Old Wood Table at Friends United Convention Centre
A wood table made from a 454-year-old tree inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Seating Area at Friends United International Convention Centre
A seating and gathering area inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Colourful Indigenous Paintings at Friends United Convention Centre
Colourful Indigenous paintings displayed along a corridor inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Carvings and Indigenous Artwork at Friends United Convention Centre
Small carvings and framed Indigenous artwork displayed inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Artwork Display at Friends United International Convention Centre
A display wall with paintings and cultural objects inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
James Jacko Artwork at Friends United Convention Centre
A seating area inside the Friends United International Convention Centre with artwork by James Jacko.
Artwork Room at Friends United Convention Centre
A bright seating area with Indigenous artwork inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Loretta Gould Quilts at Friends United Convention Centre
Quilts by Loretta Gould displayed along a staircase inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.
Indigenous Paintings and Seating Area at Friends United Convention Centre
A seating area surrounded by Indigenous paintings inside the Friends United International Convention Centre.