History of Cambridge Bay

The history of the Cambridge Bay settlement is inextricably linked to the rugged beauty of the Arctic and the traditions of indigenous peoples. Located on the southern coast of Victoria Island in the territory of Nunavut (Canada), this locality has evolved from a seasonal campsite for hunters into a significant administrative and scientific hub of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

Long before the modern name appeared on maps, this area was known to the Inuit as "Ikaluktutiak," which translates as "a good place for fishing." For centuries, indigenous inhabitants used these lands for summer camps, harvesting Arctic char and hunting caribou.

The official founding date of the modern settlement is considered to be the early 1920s. In 1921, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post here, and in 1923, a detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was opened. The town received its English name in honour of Prince Adolphus, the Duke of Cambridge.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a temporary camp into a permanent settlement was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geography and Navigation: Its location near the Northwest Passage made Cambridge Bay a convenient harbour for research and trading vessels.
• Infrastructure Projects: A powerful impetus for development was provided by the construction of a LORAN navigation tower in 1947. Even more significant was the creation of the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line) station in 1955—a radar early warning system, which attracted investment and a workforce.
• Administrative Role: Over time, the settlement became the centre for providing government services for the entire Kitikmeot region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of the post's existence, the economy was based on the fur trade: Inuit exchanged Arctic fox pelts for European goods. The cultural life of that period represented a unique combination of nomadic traditions and elements of settled life. With the appearance of military bases and state infrastructure in the mid-20th century, a gradual transition of the local population to permanent residence in the village began; however, hunting and fishing remained (and remain to this day) a vital part of the residents' identity and daily life.

Major Historical Milestones

The chronology of the development of Cambridge Bay reflects the journey from a traditional Inuit campsite to a key scientific and administrative centre of northern Canada.

• 1839: Explorers Thomas Simpson and Peter Dease map the bay and name it in honour of the Duke of Cambridge.
• 1921: The Hudson's Bay Company establishes a trading post, which is considered the start date of the permanent settlement.
• 1923: A Royal Canadian Mounted Police post opens to ensure law and order in the region.
• 1930: The ship "Maud," belonging to polar explorer Roald Amundsen, sinks in the shallow waters off the settlement's coast, becoming a local landmark for many years.
• 1947: The construction of the LORAN navigation tower significantly improves maritime communication in this sector of the Arctic.
• 1955: Construction begins on the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) radar station, ensuring an influx of jobs and infrastructure development.
• 1984: Cambridge Bay officially receives "hamlet" (village) status and forms local self-government bodies.
• 1999: With the formation of the new territory of Nunavut, the town becomes the administrative centre of the Kitikmeot region.
• 2002: As part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations, Queen Elizabeth II visits the settlement.
• 2014: The sunken ship "Erebus" from the lost Franklin expedition is discovered in nearby waters, attracting the attention of the global community.
• 2018: The famous wreck of the ship "Maud" is raised from the seabed and sent to Norway for restoration.
• 2019: The official opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) takes place, transforming the town into a centre for polar science.

Stages of Urban and Economic Formation

The development of the Cambridge Bay settlement represents an evolution from a seasonal hunters' campsite to a high-tech centre for Arctic research. Each major transformation changed the face of the town and the lifestyle of its population.

• Creation of the Hudson's Bay Company Factory. The opening of a permanent trading post was the first step towards the economic integration of the region into the global market. This event marked the beginning of a gradual transition of the local population from an exclusively nomadic lifestyle to a settled one, forming the core of the future village around the fur trade.
• Construction of Military Infrastructure (DEW Line System). The erection of the early warning radar station in the 1950s became a powerful driver of urbanization. The project brought wage labour and new construction technologies to the region and, critically, facilitated the creation of an airfield, turning the settlement into the main transport hub of the Western Arctic.
• Formation of Local Self-Government Bodies. Obtaining official "hamlet" (village) status allowed residents to independently manage the budget and plan the urban environment. This led to improvements in utility infrastructure, the construction of social housing, and the appearance of public spaces adapted to the needs of the growing population.
• Status as the Regional Centre of Kitikmeot. After the formation of the territory of Nunavut within the state of Canada, the town became the administrative capital of the region. This triggered a boom in the construction of administrative buildings and offices, created many jobs in the public sector, and attracted specialists from other parts of the country.
• Opening of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). The launch of the ultra-modern scientific campus in 2019 radically changed the architectural appearance of the town and its economy. The station not only attracts scientists from all over the world but also integrates traditional Inuit knowledge into modern science, making the town a global centre for polar research.
• Development of Expedition Tourism. The discovery of the sunken ships of the Franklin expedition ("Erebus" and "Terror") in the surrounding waters gave impetus to the tourism industry. The construction of docking infrastructure and the reception of cruise liners contribute to the diversification of the local economy and the development of small businesses catering to visitors.

The architectural appearance of the Cambridge Bay settlement differs significantly from familiar European or southern cities. You will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here; urban planning in this point of the Arctic is dictated by the harsh climate, permafrost, and the necessity of survival. The history of the town's development is an evolution from the temporary shelters of indigenous peoples to ultra-modern scientific complexes.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of architecture in the region can be roughly divided into three key stages, each of which has left its mark on the village panorama:

• Traditional and Early Colonial Period (pre-1950s).

  Initially, architecture was represented by seasonal Inuit dwellings (tents and igloos). With the arrival of Europeans, the first permanent wooden structures began to appear—trading posts and missions. The style of this time can be characterized as Arctic vernacular: simple rectangular forms, pitched roofs to shed snow, and maximum utility.

• The "Cold War" Era and Industrialization (1950s–1990s).

  The construction of the DEW Line introduced a military-industrial style to the landscape. Modular structures, hangars, and radar domes appeared. Residential development of this period in Canada often consisted of standard frame houses on stilts ("matchboxes"), raised above the ground so that the heat of the building would not melt the permafrost.

• Modern Stage (21st Century): Arctic High-Tech.

  In recent decades, modern northern modernism has established itself in the town. New buildings are designed with energy efficiency, aerodynamics (for protection against winds), and the integration of indigenous cultural codes in mind.

Iconic Structures and Urban Features

Despite its small size, Cambridge Bay possesses buildings that form its unique visual code and serve as landmarks for residents and tourists.

Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)
The main architectural dominant of the modern town. The complex, opened in 2019, represents the pinnacle of engineering thought. The gold-copper coloured building (a reference to the "Copper Inuit") features rounded forms reminiscent of a traditional communal dwelling—the qaggiq. Huge windows in the laboratories allow scientists to observe the tundra without leaving their workstations, and the interior spaces are adorned with art by local masters.

Old Stone Church (St. George’s Anglican Church)
A unique architectural monument from 1954. Unlike most imported wooden structures, this church was built from local materials: stone, sand, clay, and seal oil used as a binding mortar. Today, this building stands as a symbol of the ingenuity of the early settlers and is an important historical site.

CAM-Main Radar Station
Although access to active military facilities is restricted, the characteristic white radar domes on the horizon remain an integral part of the industrial landscape, serving as a reminder of the settlement's strategic role in ensuring airspace security.

Distinguished Personalities of Cambridge Bay

The history and modernity of the Cambridge Bay settlement are inextricably linked with the names of people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Arctic, the preservation of Inuit culture, and the establishment of the territory of Nunavut. Among the town's residents are federal-level politicians, world-renowned artists, and public figures.

• Helen Maksagak

  Stateswoman, Commissioner of Nunavut.
  A landmark figure in Canadian politics. Helen Maksagak became the first woman and the first Inuk to hold the post of Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. In 1999, she was appointed the first Commissioner of the newly formed territory of Nunavut. Residing in Cambridge Bay since 1961, she was actively involved in social issues and indigenous rights. She was awarded the Order of Canada.

• Tanya Tagaq

  Singer, composer, writer.
  A native of Cambridge Bay who gained global recognition for her unique style of performing Inuit throat singing, combining traditions with punk rock and electronic music. She is a winner of the prestigious Polaris Music Prize and a member of the Order of Canada. Her work draws attention to the issues of indigenous peoples and the ecology of the Arctic.

• Bill Lyall

  Politician, entrepreneur, community leader.
  One of the pioneers of the cooperative movement in the North. Bill Lyall played a key role in the creation and development of Arctic Co-operatives Limited—a network ensuring the economic independence of remote communities. He was also a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories prior to the division of the regions and actively participated in negotiations on Inuit land claims.

• Keith Peterson

  Politician, Minister.
  A veteran of the Nunavut political scene. He served for a long time as the mayor of Cambridge Bay and was subsequently elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly. In the territorial government, he headed key ministries for many years, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice, playing an important role in shaping the region's legislative framework.

• Kelvin Ng

  Politician.
  A prominent statesman whose career spans the transition period from the Northwest Territories to the creation of Nunavut. He held the posts of Minister of Finance and Health, working actively to improve the quality of life in the Kitikmeot region and across the Canadian Arctic.

• Jeannie Ehaloak

  Politician, community leader.
  She began her career in municipal administration, serving as the town's mayor, and then moved to the territorial level as an MLA and minister (including Minister of Environment). She is known for her work in protecting community interests and promoting environmental initiatives.

Although the Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen did not live in the settlement (it was founded later), his name is also closely associated with this place. His ship, the "Maud," which sank in the Cambridge Bay harbour in 1930, was the town's main historical attraction for nearly a century until it was raised and returned to Norway in 2018.