Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Aug 23/00) - A place close to the hearts of those who call Arviat home, whose ancestors were known as Pallirmiut, has been declared a national historic site.

Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell, representing Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the site at a special ceremony held at Angaktaarjuaq (near Arviat), Aug. 12. The island of Arvia'juaq, located eight kilometres from Arviat on the western shore of Hudson Bay, and Qikiqtaarjuk, the point opposite the island on the mainland, are Canada's two newest historic sites.

Official recognition came from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1995, after four years of consultation and research by the Arviat Historical Society and Parks Canada.

An important Inuit site for centuries, the Pallirmiut hunted marine wildlife in the Arvia'juaq area and used the island as a place to teach their children, play traditional games and celebrate life.

The sites, which illustrate the cultural, spiritual and economic life of the Inuit in the Kivalliq region, provide a bridge to the past for youth to better understand how their ancestors lived.

Arviat Mayor David Alagalak was among the dignitaries at the official unveiling and says these areas are important for all people, not just Nunavummiut.

"This gives us a means of being known to the outside world, which is very important at this stage of our development as a territory.

"It's important for them to know of Inuit history and what we have here is of historical significance," says Alagalak.

Alagalak adds it is important to Arviat for others to know about the hamlet and how the people live.

He says potential visitors learn from such sites and are enticed to visit areas of historical significance.

"They can learn Inuit have been here for hundreds of years and how we survived.

"Many people are active in our community to inform the world about Inuit, our way of life and how long we've been here.

"This declaration also gives the people of Arviat an assurance that our history and way of life will be preserved for future generations."