Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Aug 21/00) - Two traditional Inuit hunting grounds in Kivalliq are now Canada's newest national historic sites.

A plaque unveiled Aug. 10 by Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell in Arviat, commemorates the relationship between Inuit and the land.

Both Arvia'juaq, an island eight kilometres from Arviat on the western shore of Hudson Bay, and Qikiqtaarjuk (the point immediately opposite Arvia'juaq on the mainland) were identified important sites for summer hunting.

Arviat's John Webster is the cultural resource manager of Parks Canada's Nunavut Field Unit.

He says the national significance of Arvia'juaq and Qikiqtaarjuk was recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1995.

The recognition rewarded four years of consultation and research by the Arviat Historical Society and Parks Canada.

"For centuries, Arviat Inuit hunted marine wildlife from the island and used it as a summer camping area," says Webster.

"They would get to the island from Qikiqtaarjuk and the animals they hunted were vital to their way of life, supplying food and clothing."

Also attending the ceremony were Arviat Mayor David Alagalak, Arviat Historical Society chair Kono Tattuinee, Nunavut field unit supervisor Elizabeth Seal, Historic Sites and Monuments Board member Luke Suluk, KIA rep David Aglukark and Baker Lake's David Webster of the Inuit Heritage Centre.

Held in conjunction with the Historical Society's Heritage Day, the ceremony was conducted at Angaktaarjuaq, a 15 minute truck ride northwest of Arviat.

In its conservation and preservation report to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, the Arviat Historical Society wrote: "The values and beliefs passed down to present generations provide guidance in the proper treatment of archaeological sites and features, as well as correct behaviour on the island."

Karetak-Lindell echoed those sentiments while unveiling the plaque, saying the day marked an opportunity to commemorate the contribution made by Inuit of the Kivalliq Region.

"Arvia'juaq and Qikiqtaarjuk illustrate how our ancestors lived and, accordingly, must be managed in ways that respect Inuit beliefs," said Karetak-Lindell.

Webster said being recognized as a natural historic site makes Arvia'juaq and Qikiqtaarjuk part of a select group.

"Arvia'juaq and Qikiqtaarjuk have joined a family of nationally significant people, places and events to be officially recognized by the Government of Canada."