Arviat

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Two of the churches in Arviat
Two of the churches in Arviat

Arviat (2006 population 2,060; UA population 1,785)[1] (Inuktitut syllabics: ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ; formerly called Eskimo Point until 1 June 1989) is a predominantly Inuit hamlet located on the western shore of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. Arviat ("place of the bowhead whale") is derived from the Inuktitut word arviq meaning "Bowhead Whale".

It is the southernmost community on the Nunavut mainland and is close to the geographical centre of Canada. Arviat is a traditional Inuit community, having the third largest population in Nunavut, behind Rankin Inlet and the Capital, Iqaluit. Arviat is currently growing at a faster rate than Rankin Inlet, however. The population increase of 8.5% from the 2001 census. [2]

Hunting and fishing being very active in the community; it is the primary source of sustanance. 3 local stores: Padlei Co-op; Northern Stores and EPLS carry a wide range of products.

Churchill, Manitoba is accessible by boat, snowmobile and Bombardier from Arviat and is often travelled to for supplies.

Arviat is well known around the Arctic for its artistic qualities. Many musicians are from Arviat and this is a striving community with many talented musicians. Susan Aglukark is a well known musician. Simon "Johnny Cash of the North" Sigyariaq; Uniaqtuq, with Arsene, Pelagie and Mary Angalik; the Arviat Band, with John and Billy Kuksuk, Paul Kattau and others; the Irksuk band, played by Paul Irksuk and Sons; all have had CD's recorded commercially.

Many types of wildlife are abundant. Within the vicinity of Arviat; you have an opportunity to see Polar Bears, millions of Geese, Beluga Whales, and Caribou.

The only access is by air and by annual sealift, but the Nunavut government and the federal Senate member for Nunavut (Willie Adams) are investigating the possibility of a billion dollar highway from Thompson, Lynn Lake, or Gillam to Rankin Inlet, through Arviat.

The Hudson Bay Quest sled-dog race was run from Churchill to Arviat for the first time in 2004.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ 2006 census
  2. ^ 2006 census


Coordinates: 61°06′29″N, 094°03′25″W


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