Nunavut, meaning “Our Land” in Inuktitut, is the largest and northernmost territory of Canada, covering an area of approximately 2 million square kilometers or about 772,000 square miles.[1] The territory encompasses approximately 36,000 islands.[2] The capital of Nunavut is Iqaluit, located on Baffin Island.[1] As of 2024, Nunavut has an estimated population of around 40,586 people. The population is predominantly Inuit, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.[3] There are no roads to Nunavut.[2]
The economy of Nunavut is primarily driven by several key industries. Mining is one of the largest private sector industries, with gold, copper, and diamonds being the most commonly mined resources.[4] The traditional activities of fishing and hunting continue to play a significant role in the local economy.[4] Arts and Crafts: Inuit art, including carvings, prints, and textiles, is highly valued and contributes to the economy.[5] The public sector is also a major employer in the territory.[6]
There are five national parks in Nunavut: Sirmilik National Park, Quttinirpaaq National Park, Qausuittuq National Park, Auyuittuq National Park, and Ukkusiksalik National Park. There are also eight Nunavut Territorial Parks: Agguttinni Territorial Park, Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park, Katannilik Territorial Park, Kekerten Territorial Park, Kugluk/Bloody Falls Territorial Park, Mallikjuaq Territorial Park, Ovayok Territorial Park, Qaummaarviit Territorial Park, and Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.
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The first recorded European contact with Nunavut was by the Norse, who are believed to have visited Baffin Island around the 11th century. However, it was not until the late 16th century that more substantial European exploration occurred. English explorer Martin Frobisher made several voyages to the region in the 1570s, searching for the Northwest Passage.[7] These early expeditions did not lead to permanent settlements but did establish initial contact between Europeans and the Inuit.[8]
Nunavut was part of the vast Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory, which were controlled by the Hudson’s Bay Company until 1870 when Canada purchased these territories.[9] The area that is now Nunavut was administered as part of the Northwest Territories. In the mid-1970s, the Inuit began negotiating land claims with the Canadian government, leading to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993.[10] This agreement provided the Inuit with land rights and financial compensation. On April 1, 1999, Nunavut was officially separated from the Northwest Territories, becoming Canada’s newest territory.[10]
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the fur trade became a significant economic activity in the Arctic, with the Inuit adapting to this new industry. The introduction of the fur trade brought about changes in the Inuit way of life, as they began to rely more on trade goods from the south.[11]
In the mid-20th century, the discovery of mineral resources, such as gold and diamonds, led to increased interest in the region’s economic potential.[12] Mining has since become one of the largest private sector industries in Nunavut, contributing significantly to its economy.[13] Additionally, traditional activities like fishing and hunting continue to play a vital role in the local economy.[14]
Agriculture in Nunavut is limited due to its harsh Arctic climate. However, there have been efforts to establish community gardens and greenhouses to improve access to fresh produce.[15] Climate change may also open up new possibilities for agriculture in the future, as warming temperatures could make the land more suitable for farming.[16]
The demographic distribution of the Nunavut population is as follows:[3]
The whole territory is largely inhabited with people with an Inuit ethnic background. 83.6% of inhabitants confirmed this in the most recent census. Only 15% of people describe themselves as non-aboriginal. Not surprisingly, 70% of the residents of Nunavut report their mother tongue as Inuktitut. The next most common language is English with around 27% reporting it as their mother tongue. Despite French being an official language, only 1.27% of residents report it as their mother tongue. Strangely, Inuktitut is not considered an official language.
The Archives Council of Nunavut was created in 2002 to act as a repository of the Culture, history and heritage of Nunavummiut.[18] Due to the province's small population, the richest family histories would depend on oral histories. The Library and Archives of Canada will have archival material for the Northwest Territories before Nunavut became a province. CanGenealogy.com has links for genealogy websites for Nunavut.
See the Collection Catalog for Canada.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Nunavut | The Canadian Encyclopedia
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 13 Facts You Didn't Know About Nunavut | Destination Nunavut
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Nunavut Population 2024
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Economy of Nunavut
- ↑ Nunavut Arts | Artisans, Artists, Culture, Heritage & Indigenous
- ↑ IBISWorld - Industry Market Research, Reports, and Statistics
- ↑ Nunavut — History and Culture
- ↑ Inuit - History, Modern era, Acculturation and Assimilation
- ↑ Nunavut and Confederation
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 The Creation of Nunavut - Canada's History
- ↑ The Inuit People
- ↑ Nunavut mine created legacy of partnership
- ↑ Mining the Land: the resource industry in Nunavut
- ↑ The Role of the Hunter in Inuit Nunangat’s Mixed Economy
- ↑ Farming in the Arctic: It Can Be Done
- ↑ Wheat and potatoes in Nunavut? Climate change could bring agriculture to the North
- ↑ Most Common Surnames in Nunavut, With Meanings
- ↑ Nunavut devolution: a new chapter for Nunavummiut begins
- ↑ Nunavut Communities | Nunavut Planning Commission
- ↑ Iqaluit Population 2024