Panniqtuuq (July 19/04) - Residents of Pangnirtung have always known they live in Panniqtuuq, and now they have signed a petition to ensure the rest of the world knows it when they look at a map.

Bill Riddell, chair of the Illitiit Society, says the homeless shelter needs a better funding arrangement to continue offering help to the people of Iqaluit. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

"When you hear news reporters say Pangnirtung it doesn't really mean anything to us," said deputy mayor Adamie Komoartok.

An incorrect translation likely started the problem many years ago, Komoartok said.

"I don't think the mistake was ever intentional, but it was just a problem with not hearing it correctly," Komoartok said.

A petition to officially change the name of the community has been submitted to the hamlet council and is expected to be dealt with at a meeting on July 19.

There has been no opposition to the proposed name change because "it's just something we've always known," Komoartok said.

Once approved by the hamlet council, the application goes to the office of Community Government and Services Minister Peter Kilabuk.

If the Panniqtuuq name is not already in use by another community, the change is likely to be approved by Kilabuk and put on the agenda for cabinet to approve in the fall, said Shawn Maley, assistant deputy minister with community and government services.

The same process took place when the community of Pelly Bay changed its name to Kugaaruk in 1999, Maley said.

"It could be approved by the fall," said Maley. But legal documents such as leases held by the hamlet may not be changed until they're up for renewal, Maley said.