Route

Qikiqtarjuaq Qikiqtarjuaq ᕿᑭᖅᑕᕐᔪᐊᖅ

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Image courtesy of Ansgar Walk

March 2

June 5

Population: 473

Generational Status (over 15 years of age)
  330  3rd Generation
      0  2nd Generation
      0  1st Generation

Inuit-Identified Population: 445

Mother-Tongue
     25  English
       0  French
       0  English/French
   450  Other

Total Private Dwellings: 156

Population Density: 3.6 per km²

More statistics about Qikiqtarjuaq & its residents

Learn to pronounce Qikiqtarjuaq

Qikiqtarjuaq is known as the 'Iceberg and Diving Capital of Nunavut'.
Qikiqtarjuaq, formerly known as Broughton Island, is located just off the east coast of Baffin Island. Although the island is referred to as "the big island" as its Inuktitut name suggests, the island is in fact only 12km wide by 16 km long. One of the more traditional communities in Nunavut, Qikiqtarjuaq is known for its traditional Inuit and modern clothing, including sealskin parkas and kamiit (boots). Abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery attract visitors to Qikiqtarjuaq. The northern trailhead of the world renowned Auyuittuq National Park can be accessed via Qikiqtarjuaq. As a result, the community offers a wide range of tours and outfitters for tourists.

History:
The area around Qikiqtarjuaq may have been inhabited as many as 4,000 years ago. Approximately 1,000 years ago, people of the Thule culture entered the region from northern Alaska. Today's Inuit -including those in Qikiqtarjuaq- are direct descendants of the Thule. Evidence of this culture around Qikiqtarjuaq dates back almost 800 years and can be seen at a Thule camp site approximately 90 minutes from town by boat.

John Davis was the first European to explore the area; he named nearby Cumberland Peninsula in 1585. Kivitoo, about 60 kilometers northwest of Qikiqtarjuaq, and Padloping Island, roughly 90 kilometers to the south, soon became important stops for bowhead whalers. Kivitoo was abandoned in the mid-20s, although the iron vats used for rendering whale blubber were left behind. These relics, as well as a small graveyard, can still be seen today.

In 1955, construction began on a DEW Line site at Qikiqtarjuaq, attracting Inuit from Clyde River, Pangnirtung, Kivitoo, and Padloping Island, who came to Qikiqtarjuaq in search of employment. The site became fully operational in 1957; a Hudson's Bay Co. store was established three years later. By 1968, the federal government's Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development had relocated residents from Kivitoo and Padloping Island to Qikiqtarjuaq. On Aug. 31, 1979, Qikiqtarjuaq obtained hamlet status.

Its Land and Wildlife
Scores of oddly shaped icebergs can usually be found in the waters around Qikiqtarjuaq, hence the community's nickname. Outfitters will take visitors on snowmobile and boat trips to see icebergs. If traveling by boat, extreme caution around these behemoths, as they are always shifting and breaking apart.

The island and the surrounding area are also home to spectacular land forms and wildlife. Nearby lies the massive Penny Ice Cap, the largest ice cap on Baffin Island, and the many glaciers it has sired. Waters abound with walruses, polar bears, seals, narwhals, belugas, and even occasional bowhead whales.

The area is also home to a bounty of birds. In fact, discussions are taking place regarding the development of a bird sanctuary at Cape Searle and Reid Bay, the largest fulmar-nesting area in the eastern Arctic.

Source courtesy of:
http://www.gov.nu.ca, http://www.qia.ca/i18n/english/, htto://www.arctictravel.com/, http://www12.statcan.ca