community profile

Qikiqtarjuaq: A Community Profile
Qikiqtarjuaq (big island) is located off the east coast of Baffin
Island and his home to just over 500 people. It measures about
16 km from North to South and 12 km. It is 513 km North of
Iqaluit witch puts it approximately 100 km North of the Arctic
circle. Pangnirtung. the closest community, is 225 km South via
Pangnirtung Pass in Auyuittuq National Park.
Qikiqtarjuaq became a settlement site in 1956-57. Inuit families
moved here from pangnirtung and Clyde River and abandoned
Kivitoo to help build the DEW Line Station. A fereral
administrative office opened in 1960. The school opened in 1961 abd
the Angican Mission was established in 1967. Katiqsivik Gospel
Church started in 1988. The permanence of Qikiqtarjuaq was
assured in 1968 when DIAND closed down the small settlement of
Padloping Island bringing its people to this community.
Qikiqtarjuaq attained hamlet status on August 31. 1979.
Qikiqtarjuaq is a terrific base for sightseeing up and down the
coastline of Davis Strait. Some of the most interesting and
attractive areas are Padle Fiord, Maktak Fiord, Durban Island and
Wildlife sightings in these places may include polar bears, seals
and narwales.
Information provided by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association