Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Holman (Oct 28/05) - The people of Holman have spoken: they want their old name back.

There was a survey handed out by the hamlet office in 2004 that focused on changing the name from Holman to Ulukhatok.

"The whole town responded and were very eager to change the name back," said Mayor Peter Malgokak.

Malgokak brought the idea of a name change to Municipal and Community Affairs, where it was addressed by Nunakput MLA Calvin Pokiak. Pokiak agrees with his constituents, stating that restoring the name would promote the culture.

"I give the hamlet full support in their request," said Pokiak.

"This will give them back the dignity and respect of their culture."

The small community of about 450 people was named in honour of J.R. Holman, a member of the Inglefield Expedition of 1853.

Explorers discovered the small, coastal settlement while searching for the Northwest passage.

Malgokak said most of the residents in the community today don't know why 'Holman' was chosen.

The hamlet will have the chance to officially re-name itself in December during the municipal elections, said Pokiak.