And, according to Iqaluit resident George Metuq, CB (citizen band) radios and HF (high frequency) radios have also changed the way hunters communicate with each other.

Called oovaaq (HF) and oovarallaq (CB) in Inuktitut, radios allow hunters to find out if there is game in the area, if other hunters are in the area and what the weather is like.

"I wouldn't want to go boating without a CB radio," said Metuq, adding that it's also important to watch what he says on the radio.

"If you say whale on the CB, you'll get 20 boats coming at you at once because everybody wants to catch a whale," he said.

"We can also call home and say, 'I'm coming in, bring the car down,' " joked Metuq.

Though he makes light of being able to contact home, Metuq said hunters often use CB radios in emergency situations. The device allows travellers to call for help should they experience bad weather or engine trouble.

"I've towed at least a couple of people back who said they needed help on the CB," he said.

CB radios are available at Radio Shack, most Northern Stores and Co-ops in Nunavut. They range between $100-$200.

HF radios are long-range and permit hunters and campers to contact people in other communities. They cost about $1,000, but are often sold for subsidized rates to Nunavut beneficiaries through community hunters and trappers associations.

"With HF from Iqaluit, we can talk to people in Kimmirut, Cape Dorset, (Panniqtuuq) and (Qikiqtarjuaq)," said Metuq.

"It's for more long-range communication. We bring them when we're going hunting in the winter."

Dinos Tikivik uses his radios to keep in touch with relatives residing at outpost camps in the South Baffin area. "They're good for communication and safety -- mainly safety," said Tikivik, also a resident of Iqaluit.

"I use it to talk to people about how they're doing at the outpost camps or to call home and say we're okay," he said.