Nunavut,+Canada

=Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut Region, Nunaat=

Introduction Community Profile (Click) [|presentation]

**References;Health papers**
Nursing Perspectives on Public Health Programming in Nunavut Roberts and Gerber Dec.2003; Department of Health and Social Services

Circumpolar Health Supplements : Circumpolar Health Indicators: Sources, Data, and Maps Young, K : 2008 (3)

Aboriginal Peoples Survey, 2006: Inuit Health and Social Conditions Statistics Canada

[|Canadian Census 2006 Statistics] comparative data between regions.

Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment [|(CINE)] //CINE response strategy.// Montreal, Canada, McGill University ([|http://cine.mcgill.ca]).



=
Qi kiqtani Region ( [|Inuktitut] ) or Baffin Region is an [|administrative] [|region of] [|Nunavut]. Qikiqtaaluk is the traditional Inuktitut name for [|Baffin Island] ; though Qikiqtaaluk Region is the most commonly-used name in official contexts, several notable public bodies, including Statistics Canada and Nunavut Tourism prefer the term Baffin Region. =====

=
The region consists of Baffin Island, the [|Belcher Islands], [|Akimiski] [| Island] , [|Mansel] [| Island] , [|Prince Charles Island] , [|Bylot] [| Island] , [|Devon Island] , [|Cornwallis Island] , [|Bathurst Island] , [|Amund] [|Ringnes] [| Island] , [|Ellef] [|Ringnes] [| Island] , [|Axel Heiberg Island] , [|Ellesmere Island] , t he [|Melville Peninsula] , the eastern part of Melville Island, and the northern parts of Prince of Wales Island, and [|Somerset Island] , plus smaller islands in between. The regional seat is [|Iqaluit] located on Baffin Is. (population 6,184). It contains both the northernmost and southernmost areas of the territory.        =====

**History:**
====On April 1, 1999, history was made with the creation of Nunavut, a third Canadian territory. Nunavut, the eastern part of the former Northwest Territories, was given its name based on Inuit languages and could be translated as “Our Land”. It contains three regions determined by physical geography, history, flora and fauna, language and dialectal differences. The western section of Nunavut is known as the **Kitikmeot,** the central area as the **Kivalliq** **,** and the eastern area as the **Qikiqtani**  (Baffin) <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-color-index: 1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> ==== <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-color-index: 1; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> (Image: Baffin Island) = = =Climate:=

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Baffin Island lies in the path of a generally northerly airflow all year round, so like much of eastern [|**Canada**]

Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area, occupying most of northern North America...., has an unusually cold climate. This brings very long, cold winters and foggy, cloudy summers, which have helped to add to the remoteness of the island. Spring thaw arrives much later than normal for a position straddling the Arctic Circle; around early June at Iqaluit in the south-east to early/mid July on the northcoast where glaciers run right down to sea level. Snow, even heavy snow occurs at any time of the year, although is least likely in July and early August. Average annual temperatures at Iqaluit are around -8.5°C, compared with Reykjavik, around 5°C, slightly further north on the other side of Greenland. [|**Sea Ice**]

Sea ice is formed from ocean water that freezes.... surrounds the island for most of the year, and until recently, only disappeared completely from the north coast for short unpredictable periods in August, if at all. At present, the sea is only clear of ice off Iqaluit from mid to late June until the end of September. Most of Baffin Island lies above the [|**Arctic Circle**] and all the communities from Pangnirtung north are subject to [|**Polar night**] and the [|**midnight sun**]

The midnight sun is a phenomenon occurring in latitudes north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle where t... . For example, the eastern community of [|**Clyde River**] experiences continuous sunlight from May 14 to July 28, a period of 2½ months. In addition the long period from April 26 until May 13 and from July 29 until August 16 when [|**twilight**]

Twilight is the time before sunrise or after sunset when sunlight scattered in the upper atmosphere illuminates the lower at... is the darkest part of the day means the community has just over 3½ months of light. In the winter the sun sets November 22 and does not rise again until January 19 of the next year. However, unlike places such as [|**Alert**]

Alert is the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world.... , twilight occurs for at least 4 hours a day

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">**Iqaluit** the capital of Nunavut situated of Baffin Island has a typically [|arctic climate], although it is well outside the [|Arctic Circle] , with very cold winters and short summers that are too cool to permit the growth of trees. Average monthly temperatures are below freezing for eight months of the year. Iqaluit's precipitation averages just over 400 millimetres annually, much wetter than many other localities in the Canadian Arctic islands, with the summer being the wettest season

====    This region is as diverse as it is beautiful. Icebergs, glaciers, mountain ranges, and an abundance of wildlife including the very special narwhal whale, are all here in the Baffin Region. l    An environmental activist group has called for a moratorium on the polar bear hunt in Nunavut's Baffin Bay region, while Nunavut's wildlife board heard from Inuit and hunters' groups on whether to cut bear-hunting quotas there. ====

=
No one from World Wildlife Fund Canada attended the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board's public hearing last December 2008 in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, but the group submitted a letter voicing its concerns about the impact of hunting and dwindling Arctic sea ice on the polar bears' survival. =====

The wildlife board is considering a proposal by the Nunavut government to cut the Baffin Bay hunting quota — from 105 polar bears a year to 64 bears or less — or ban the hunt temporarily there.

The only trees on **//Baffin//** Island are found in Katannilik Park, as well as a variety of Arctic flora and considerable wildlife.(visit page wildlife in Nunvut and Baffin Region).

The **Great Plain of the Koukdjuak** in the [|Canadian Arctic] is the namesake of the [|Koukdjuak River] in western [|Baffin Island] on the southeastern coast of [|Foxe Basin], in [|northern Canada]'s [|Nunavut] territory (formerly [|Franklin District], [|Northwest Territories]). It is about 120 mi (193 km) long, 60-90 mi (97-145 km) wide.[|[1]] The Plain is characterized as a broad, flat, water-logged lowland with a [|tidal zone] that may extend as far as 15 km inland. The Plain's boundaries include raised beach ridges 25-80 km inland and granite outcrops to the south. Its [|tundra] covers [|clay] soils, [|limestone] and [|shale] [|bedrock].

The Great Plain of the Koukdjuak is notable for [|migratory bird] and wildlife ([|barren-ground caribou] crossing) habitat. The Plain supports the largest [|goose] colony in the world. It is a breeding ground or habitat for [|Lesser Snow Geese], [|Canada Geese], [|Oldsquaw], [|King Eider], [|Common Eider], and [|Atlantic Brant]. It is a natural habitat for [|shorebirds], such as [|Red Phalarope].[|[2]] It is classified as an [|Important Bird Area].[|[2]] 

Conservation status

 * [|Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary] (federal)
 * [|Ramsar Site] (Wetland of International Significance)
 * Bowman Bay Game Sanctuary (wildlife sanctuary)

**Communities of Qikiqtaaluk**
TOTAL BAFFIN 15,009 - **2006 Census Nunavut Data** Pond Inlet, July 2007 || Arctic Bay is also known as Ikpiarjuk, “the pocket”, because of the hills that surround it. Located on a small inlet, surrounded on three sides by high hills, Arctic bay offers a natural, protected harbour. Arctic bay is connected to the mine at Nanisivik by 21 km road. The world’s most northerly marathon is held here and attracts competitors form all over the world. The community of Cape Dorset lies on the northwest shore of Dorset Island. Cape Dorset is often considered the Inuit art capital for its world famous prints. It’s Inuktitut name means “tip of the island.” Clyde River sits on flood plain and is the contact point for travel to Sam Ford Fiord and other fiords in central Baffin. There are opportunities to see narwhale, bowhead whales and polar bears. Clyde River is on Baffin Island’s east coast in the shelter of Patricia Bay. Canada’s most northerly community, Grise Fiord lies on the southern shores of Ellesmere Island in the far north. It is considered the most picturesque plane in the Arctic with high hills, sweeping vistas and 24 hours of sunlight in the summer. Its Inuit name means, “place that never thaws”. Grise Fiord was established after the Canadian Government moved Inuit families there from Northern Quebec. Hall Beach lies on the shore of Foxe basin. For great fishing and the chance to see walrus, seals and other Arctic wide life Hall beach has few equals. Arctic Char can be caught from the shore in town and flocks of geese, swans, ducks and other waterfowl nest in the surrounding area. This is an important hunting and camping site for the Thule and modern Inuit. The land around Hall Beach is flat and featureless. Located on a small island in Foxe Basin, this traditional community offers interesting sites on land as well as the rare sight of nesting loons, ducks, and snowy owls in season. Sites of habitation date back 4000 years, and include examples of both Dorset and Thule cultures. Igloolik is often considered to be the cultural capital of Qikiqtani, because of the cultural continuity that has been preserved in traditions and language. Iqaluit, the largest city in Nunavut, is on the mouth of Frobisher Bay, overlooking Koojesse Inlet. Its name means “place of many fish”. Iqaluit is the hub of Qikiqtani, with north bound flights from Ottawa and Montréal. Iqaluit’s runway, the longest in the Canadian Arctic, also provides an ideal refueling spot for international flights. The word Kimmirut means, “heals” and the community is named for the rocky outcrop in the shape of a human heel located about 60 meters across the water, facing the community. Kimmirut is well known as an art colony with its carvers producing some remarkable pieces, noted for the colour of stone and artistic merit. Pangnirtung is also known as the “place of bull caribou”. The hamlet of Pangnirtung is situated on the Pangnirtung Fiord, at the foot of Mount Duval and the mouth of the Duva River. At the opening of the fiord is the Cumberland Sound, well known by the old whalers for its bowhead whales. At the other end of the fiord is the Aksayik pass, which leads up into the Auyyittuq national Park. Many of its mountains ( Thor Asgard, etc) glacier ( Caribou, Turner, Penny ice cap, etc,) are world famous to hikers and mountain climbers. Pond Inlet is richly endowed with scenery, which includes mountains, glaciers and icebergs. There is an abundance of marine wildlife to observe. The Community looks out on Eclipse Sound and the mountains and glacier of Bylot Island. Sirmilik National Park, known for its diverse bird sanctuary, glaciers, and mammal life provides an additional attraction. Both the Dorset and Thule people lived in the area for centuries leaving behind many interesting sites. Qikiqtarjuaq, formally Brougthon island, sits off the west coast of Baffin Island. The wild life and scenery draws visitors from all over the world. Auyuittuq National Park is situated between Qikiqtarjuaq and Pangnirtung, which is world renowned with hikers and mountain climbers. The view of the glacier topped fiord coast of Baffin Island with sightings of icebergs and whales is spectacular. Resolute Bay, Canada’s second most northerly community, is located on the south coast of Cornwallis Island. Due to its ideal location it is often used as the base for all North Pole adventures. The Northwest Passage passes directly in front of the community and can be walked in the winter months. Resolute Bay was established after the Canadian Government moved Inuit families there from Pond Inlet and the Northern Quebec community of Inukjak.
 * [[image:http://www.ohsni.com/files/pic__24_.jpg width="320" height="213" caption="Pond Inlet, July 2007"]]
 * ARCTIC BAY** (Ikpairjuk) pop. 690
 * CAPE DORSET** (Kingait) pop. 1236
 * CLYDE RIVER** ( Kingiqlagaapik) pop. 820
 * GRISE FIORD** ( Aujuittuuq) pop.141
 * HALL BEACH** ( Sanirajuk) pop. 654
 * IGLOOLIK** pop. 1538
 * IQALUIT** ( capital of Nunavut) pop.6184
 * KIMMIRUT** pop. 411
 * PANGNIRTUNG** pop. 1325
 * POND INLET** (Mittimatalik) pop.1315
 * QIKIQTARJUAQ** pop. 473
 * RESOLUTE BAY** pop. 229


 * Baffin Island and nearby cities and towns known as hamlets:**

=

 * City** <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> [|63°44′55″N 68°31′11″W] <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> –   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Iqaluit]: pop 2006 = 6,184, (2001= 5,236) a growth of 18.1% =====

=
Iqaluit is a port city on the Frobisher Bay. The sea lifts in July to October, when the sea ice leaves the bay, which is very important as it is the peak time for getting heavy items into the city. Travelling by boat is also an important part of the Inuit's hunting and fishing lifestyle. In January, the temporarily abandoned boats along the snowy and wind-blown shore take on an unusual beauty.=====

=
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> **Neighboring Hamlets:** <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   =====
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Arctic Bay]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Cape Dorset]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Clyde River]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Grise][| Fiord]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Hall Beach] <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Kimmirut]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Pangnirtung]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Pond Inlet]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Qikiqtarjuaq]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Resolute]
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">   <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Sanikiluaq] <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[|Igloolik]
 * **Settlements**
 * [|Nanisivik]
 * **Unorganized Areas**
 * [|Baffin, Unorganized], includes
 * [|Alert]
 * [|Eureka]
 * [|Eureka]

Attractions

 * Astro Hill Complex (Iqaluit)
 * Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum (Iqaluit)
 * [|Legislative Building of Nunavut] (Iqaluit)
 * Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre (Iqaluit)

Protected Areas

 * [|Auyuittuq National Park]
 * [|Bowman Bay Wildlife Sanctuary]
 * Katannilil
 * Kekerten
 * Mallikjuak
 * Pitsutinu-Tungavik
 * Qilalukat
 * Quammaarviit
 * Rotary Club Day Park
 * [|Sirmilik National Park]
 * Sylvia Grinnel

Demographics
//[|Canada 2006 Census]//[|[3]]
 * Population: 15,765
 * Population change (2001-2006): +9.7%
 * Private dwellings: 5,103
 * Area (km²): [|1,040,417.90 km²]
 * Density (per km².): 0.015 km²
 * National rank in terms of population: 248th out of 288
 * Territorial rank in terms of population: 1st out of 3

Surrounding 'Sub Regions of Nunavut'

 * [|**Inuvik Region**]
 * [|**Kivalliq Region**]
 * [|**Kitikmeot Region**]

Visit

 * [|Baffin Region, Nunavut]
 * [|Netsilik Inuit]
 * [|Ellesmere Island Volcanics]