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ARVIAT
Arviat residents are preparing to receive a Silversea luxury cruise ship, which is scheduled to stop in the community twice in August.

Tourism specialist Mike Robbins got to try his hand at drum dancing during a training program in Arviat in February of 2011. Currently, the community is gearing up to receive a luxury cruise ship, which will be stopping in the area twice in August. - photo courtesy of Julie Harris

This will be the first time in more than 10 years that Arviat has hosted a cruise ship, according to Olivia Tagalik, the hamlet's tourism co-ordinator.

"For them to be doing a tour that comes right down to Hudson Bay is quite amazing," she said. "I'm excited."

The cruise ship, called the Silver Explorer, is expected to bring about 130 passengers and crew to the area on each visit.

According to Martine Dupont, manager of Nunavut Tourism, Silversea approached the territory a year ago about setting up stops in Nunavut.

The government considered a number of communities before eventually suggesting Arviat.

"They were the most cruise ship ready," said Dupont, adding over the past few years the community has received about $300,000 for eco tourism initiatives by applying for government programs. "Now we see the results."

Tagalik said she has created an itinerary for the guests and Silversea has signed off on it. Her plan is to split the passengers into three groups and have them rotate between different activities throughout the day.

One of the events will be held on the ship and feature entertainment by cultural performers. The second activity is a visit to Arviat's national historic site, Arvia'juaq, and the third a community tour.

During the tour, the group will be split into smaller teams and rotate between another three activities, which include having tea and bannock with elders, visiting a traditional camp and going on a guided excursion around the hamlet.

Tagalik said she expects about 40 community members will be hired to assist with the effort and even more will benefit from selling arts and crafts to the tourists. Residents will be needed to run the traditional camp, transport guests, perform and act as community hosts.

"(The visit) will definitely put something back into our community," said Tagalik, adding she hopes Arviat is able to make a lasting impression on visitors and in the process

convince the cruise company to consider bringing more guests to the area.

Mayor Bob Leonard said Arviat may look into pursuing ecotourism further if the visit is a success.

"We're hoping there will be some benefit, particularly to artists, carvers, sewers," he said. "This is kind of a trial for us so we'll see how it goes."

This year the territory is set to receive eight cruise ships, which will make 35 stops in Nunavut communities. In 2012, six cruise ships visited and made 30 stops.

- with files from Myles Dolphin

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