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October 30th, 2012

Local history and the development of tourism in Kangiqsujuaq

By By Pierre Desrosiers and Sylvie Côté Chew

From 16-18th October, a roundtable took place in Kangiqsujuaq in order to discuss the history of the community and the region. This activity was a joint initiative between the municipality of Kangiqsujuaq, Avataq Cultural Institute and the Visitor’s Centre of the Pingualuit National Park. The objective was to present the historical information to people involved in the development of local tourism, as well as to other members of the community.

Over three days, the exceptionally rich history and archaeology of the region was revealed and the panel explored the possibility of developing guided visits for tourists. This workshop was open to the public and attracted people of all ages, including a number of high school students, teachers, and elders. Mary A. Pilurtuut (mayor of Kangiqsujuaq) led the discussion, with the assistance of Sylvie Côté Chew (Avataq Cultural Institute).

Anthropologist Bernard Saladin d’Anglure was the principal speaker: he possesses a wealth of information on the history and local traditions, particularly covering the 1950’s and ‘60’s. He was accompanied by Pierre Desrosiers (Avataq Cultural Institute), who presented the results of archaeological research conducted in this region; the Kangiqsujuaq area features one of the largest concentrations of sites in Nunavik. Finally, Pierre Philie (Visitor’s Centre for Pingualuit Park) presented a segment entitled “Artifacts of the 21st Century: the archaeological artifacts of tomorrow”. In addition, the first mock-up of the book Arvik was unveiled; this book tells the story of whale hunting in Nunavik.

Left to right: Pierre Philie, Mary A. Pilurtuut and Sylvie Côté Chew. Background: Pitseolak Pinguatuq.

Left to right: Pierre Philie, Mary A. Pilurtuut and Sylvie Côté Chew. Background: Pitseolak Pinguatuq.

Left to right: Juupi Arnaituk, Lucassie Nappaaluk, Minnie Nappaaluk. Background: Mireille Bouliane of Nunavik Parks (KRG).

Left to right: Juupi Arnaituk, Lucassie Nappaaluk, Minnie Nappaaluk. Background: Mireille Bouliane of Nunavik Parks (KRG).

Bernard Saladin d’Anglure

Bernard Saladin d’Anglure

Lucassie Nappaaluk and Bernard Saladin d’Anglure at the Visitor’s Centre of Pingualuit Park, looking at photos of Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk.

Lucassie Nappaaluk and Bernard Saladin d’Anglure at the Visitor’s Centre of Pingualuit Park, looking at photos of Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk.