Igloolik
The Iglulik is an Inuktitut phrase meaning ‘there is a house here’, which refers to ancient sod houses that have been found in the area. It is this ancient connection that provides you with a wealth of experiences, including:
- Learning about the deeply rooted Inuit culture and language,
- Visiting ancient Inuit campsites, used for over 3,000 years ago
- Exploring the diverse surrounding ecosystem with walruses, whales, polar bears, caribou, and seals.
In Igloolik, you can walk through ancient campsites that Inuit have used for over 3000 years. Local Inuit were amongst the last people to have regular contact with Europeans and have managed to maintain a very strong sense of identity and culture.
Centrally located between the Canadian mainland and Baffin Island, Igloolik has long been a crossroads for Inuit in Nunavut. Igloolik Inuit had extensive trading and cultural contacts with other Inuit from Baffin Island, the Kivalliq, and the Kitikmeot regions. The Igloolik area represented an important element of circumpolar trade.
Igloolik is often considered a cultural centre of Nunavut. The film, Atarnarjuat was produced and directed by local filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk using local actors and costume designers. This film depicted life before contact with Europeans and went on to win numerous awards, including the Golden Camera award at the Cannes Film Festival. This monumental work broke a trail for other local filmmakers and actors, and Igloolik has become a ‘Hollywood’ of Nunavut.
Igloolik is also home to the world-renowned ‘Artcirq’ modern circus, which blends Inuit culture and modern circus techniques. Each year Artcirq performs at the hamlet’s Rockin’ Walrus Arts Festival.
Additional Information
Communities in Nunavut have the right to determine their Liquor System. In this community, any quantity of liquor that is imported, consumed, possessed and transported must be approved by the Alcohol Education Committee. Once your application has been approved, you have to buy a liquor import permit from The Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
Whether you live in or travel to an unrestricted or restricted community, you need a liquor permit to bring more than three litres of spirits, nine litres of wine, or 26 litres of beer with you when you travel into Nunavut. Liquor permits are always required when you place a liquor order outside the territory.
You can read more about these restrictions, or how to apply for a permit here: https://www.nulc.ca/liquor/
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