Igloolik (meaning "There is a House Here") is a fascinating community located northwest of Baffin Island on a small island in Foxe Basin. It stands as the second-largest community in the Qikiqtaaluk region, next to Iqaluit.
What sets the Hamlet of Igloolik apart from most Arctic communities is its continuous habitation by Igloolik Inuit families for thousands of years, dating back to 2000 B.C. This rich legacy continued until the establishment of the modern Igloolik we know today.
Throughout this extensive period, many travel routes crisscrossed the region, connecting Igloolik, Nunavut to vital areas for hunting, fishing, foraging, and trading. Due to the way Igloolik Inuit lived, with a unique sense of permanency in their home and movement through trade routes across the northwest, Igloolik has earned the title of the cultural epicenter for the Inuit.
Its strategic location facilitated trade, leading to the settlement of a sizable population over centuries, a departure from the nomadic lifestyle prevalent among most Inuit. Consequently, Igloolik Inuit, known as Iglulingmuit, share cultural values and traditions spanning all three regions of Nunavut.
Inuit found direction in the elements surrounding them, from the earth below to the sky above. The magic of the celestial nights served as a guide for Inuit. The visits from the Aurora Borealis was considered a delightful gift, and is often referred to as the Northern Lights (Aqsarniit in Inuktitut). This light show was believed to embody the spirits of the departed, with some carrying torches to light a path for the living while others engaged in playful games with a walrus skull. Between late November and late January during the polar nights, a journey to Igloolik promises a theatrical performance set in the sky, thanks to the disappearance of sunlight and the crystal-clear nights.
The hum of snowmobiles in the winter is a distinctive part of the Arctic soundscape. However, this hasn’t always been the case, and for some, still isn’t. Qimmiit, or sled dogs, have been a way of life for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Thule people who are ancestors of Inuit.
Igloolik, being a hub of intersecting paths leading to various parts of the northwestern Arctic, owes much of its accessibility to dogsleds. Now, it's your opportunity to experience this ancient mode of transportation, and Igloolik stands as the perfect destination to welcome you into this tradition.
If you seek a rich, artful, and cultural experience, you've arrived at the perfect spot. Igloolik is home to the world-renowned film production company, Isuma, spearheaded by the legendary Zacharias Kunuk. Another remarkable cultural spectacle is Artcirq, conceived in part by the creative minds of the Igloolik Inuit. Both showcase Inuit modern artistic expressions, blending traditional and contemporary influences.
Upon visiting, you will quickly see where the inspiration is drawn from. The Northern Lights, vast icy panoramas, Arctic wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage become every artist’s muse, maybe even yours! Igloolik has been coined “a gifted little island” for good reason. So come follow the trail of the Igloolik Inuit and craft your own adventure!
