History of Kangiqsujuaq

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of the modern settlement of Kangiqsujuaq (formerly known as Wakeham Bay) has served as a home for the Inuit for centuries. The name translates as "The Large Bay," reflecting the impressive landscape of the area. The actual founding of a permanent settlement dates back to the early 20th century and is linked to the development of the fur trade.

The first European trading posts appeared here in the 1910s: first the French company Révillon Frères, and then, in 1914, the famous Hudson's Bay Company. Official recognition and mapping of the area occurred thanks to the expedition of Captain William Wakeham in 1897, in whose honour the settlement bore its English name for a long time.

Key Factors of Establishment

The formation of the town in the harsh conditions of northern Canada was driven by several important circumstances:

• Geography: The settlement is located deep within a protected bay, just 10 kilometres from the Hudson Strait. This strategic location ensured the safety of vessels and convenient access to the sea.
• Resources: The surroundings are rich in minerals. Geological discoveries made in the mid-20th century attracted the attention of mining companies, which gave a new impulse to the regional economy.
• Trade: The presence of trading posts turned the seasonal hunters' camp into a centre for the exchange of goods, stimulating the transition of the local population to a sedentary lifestyle.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period relied entirely on traditional Inuit pursuits—hunting marine mammals (seals, walruses, belugas) and fishing, the products of which were exchanged for European goods. Cultural life began to change with the arrival of missionaries: a Catholic mission was founded in 1936, followed by the opening of an Anglican church, a school, and a nursing station, which formed the modern social structure of the community.

Chronology of Development

• Ancient Period: Petroglyphs on Qajartalik Island testify to the presence of Dorset culture people in this region more than 1,000 years ago.
• 1897: An expedition commanded by Captain William Wakeham explores the strait, and the bay receives the European name Wakeham Bay.
• 1910: The French company Révillon Frères opens the first trading post, beginning the era of active fur trading.
• 1914: The Hudson's Bay Company establishes its trading post, creating competition and attracting more hunters to the area.
• 1936: Foundation of the Catholic mission, becoming one of the first permanent public institutions in the settlement.
• 1960: Opening of a federal day school, which became a turning point for families transitioning to a sedentary lifestyle.
• 1970: Creation of a local cooperative, allowing residents to independently manage food and goods supplies.
• 1980: The municipality is officially incorporated as the "Northern Village of Kangiqsujuaq," cementing its original Inuit name.
• 2004: Official creation of the Pingualuit National Park (Pingualuit Crater), with the village becoming its administrative centre.
• 2007: Opening of the park's modern Interpretation Centre, attracting researchers and travellers to this part of Canada.

The development of the Kangiqsujuaq settlement is a story of transformation from a traditional hunters' camp into a modern administrative and tourist centre of Nunavik. Each stage of its formation reflects important changes in the economy and lifestyle of northern Canada.

Key development milestones and their significance for the town:

• Establishment of trade ties (Early 20th century). The appearance of Révillon Frères and Hudson's Bay Company trading posts became the economic foundation of the settlement. This event turned the seasonal camp into a permanent trade hub, integrating local residents into the global fur market.
• Construction of social infrastructure (1960s). The opening of a federal school, nursing station, and permanent housing marked the final transition of the population to a sedentary lifestyle. This urban planning transformation formed the village's modern street layout and residential quarters.
• Launch of the cooperative movement (1970s). The creation of a local cooperative was a crucial step towards economic autonomy. This allowed residents to independently manage retail trade, fuel supplies, and the hotel business, reducing dependence on external commercial structures.
• Attaining municipal status (1980). Official incorporation as a "Northern Village" gave the community political instruments for self-governance. From this moment, systematic planning of territory development and local services began.
• Integration with the mining industry (from the late 1990s). The development of the nearby Raglan nickel mine had a huge impact on the economy. Agreements with mining companies ensured jobs and an influx of funds, allowing for the modernisation of the village's technical equipment.
• Creation of Pingualuit National Park (2004–2007). The opening of the park and the Interpretation Centre reoriented the vector of development towards tourism. This turned the remote village into an attractive point for travellers from around the world, stimulating the development of the hospitality and excursion services sector.

Architectural Appearance and Climate Adaptation

The architecture of the Kangiqsujuaq settlement differs strikingly from the familiar urban landscapes of the south. Here you will not find Gothic, Baroque, or Classicism. The region's urban development is dictated by the harsh conditions of the Arctic, permafrost, and the need for energy efficiency. The village's appearance is shaped by so-called "Arctic functionalism"—a style where practicality and thermal insulation prevail over decorativeness.

The settlement's layout is linear-cluster, oriented towards the coastline of Wakeham Bay. Buildings are positioned to minimise the impact of winds while ensuring access to roads and utilities. A characteristic feature of the local landscape is that almost all structures are raised above the ground on stilts so that heat from the houses does not thaw the frozen ground, ensuring the stability of the foundation.

Construction Stages and Stylistic Features

The history of the village's architectural development can be roughly divided into several stages, each corresponding to a specific type of structure:

• Traditional Period (until the mid-20th century): In this era, architecture was mobile. The Inuit used igloos (snow houses) in winter and tents made of skins in summer. Although these temporary dwellings have disappeared as primary housing, their domed shape and heat conservation principles sometimes inspire modern architects of northern Canada.
• Era of Trading Posts and Missions (Early 20th century): The first stationary structures were built from imported timber. These were simple, utilitarian single-storey buildings with gable roofs, serving as trading posts and churches. The style can be described as colonial minimalism.
• Sedentary Period (1960s–1980s): With the start of government resettlement programmes, standard frame houses appeared, often called "matchboxes." These are small rectangular structures clad in plywood or siding, raised on stilts. This period laid the foundation of the modern street grid.
• Modern Stage (from the 1990s): Construction of public buildings using modern composite materials and steel. Elements of postmodernism appear: bright facade colour schemes (red, blue, green), intended to break the monochrome of the winter landscape, and complex geometric roof shapes for snow shedding.

Landmark Buildings and Infrastructure

Despite its small size, Kangiqsujuaq has several structures that define its architectural face:

• Pingualuit Park Interpretation Centre: One of the most modern buildings in the village. It combines the functions of a museum and an administrative centre. The building's architecture is laconic, using wood and large windows, which is atypical for older buildings but allows for the use of natural light during the polar day.
• Arsaniq School: A large educational complex that serves as the centre of social life. The building stands out for its size and bright colouring, serving as a visual landmark in the residential area.
• Cooperative Building: The centre of commercial life, representing a modern multi-functional retail complex built taking into account the requirements of logistics and food storage in northern conditions.
• Catholic Mission: A small historical building preserving features of early development and reminiscent of the times of first contact with Europeans.

The history and culture of the Kangiqsujuaq settlement are inextricably linked with the names of people who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the region, the preservation of Inuit traditions, and the exploration of the Canadian North. Below are distinguished personalities whose destinies were intertwined with this amazing place.

• Mitiarjuk Attasie Nappaaluk (1931–2007)
  Writer, Educator, and Sculptor
  One of the most revered figures in Nunavik. Mitiarjuk authored "Sanaaq"—one of the first novels written in the Inuktitut language. Her literary work, detailing the daily life of the Inuit during the period of first contact with Europeans, is recognised as a cultural treasure. For her services in preserving language and culture, she was awarded the Order of Canada and an honorary doctorate from McGill University.
• William Wakeham (1844–1915)
  Physician and Polar Explorer
  Although he did not live in the settlement permanently, his name has forever entered the history of the region. In 1897, Wakeham led an expedition to study navigation in the Hudson Strait. It was in his honour that the bay and the settlement itself bore the name Wakeham Bay for many years, until the original Inuit name was officially returned in 1980.
• Naalak Nappaaluk (1928–2010)
  Elder, Hunter, and Knowledge Keeper
  Husband of Mitiarjuk Nappaaluk and a respected community leader. He was known as an unsurpassed navigator and expert in traditional hunting. Naalak played a key role in reviving the ancient tradition of bowhead whale hunting in Nunavik. In 2024, the newest research vessel of the Canadian Coast Guard—CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk—was named in his honour.
• Charlie Arngak
  Politician and Public Figure
  Former mayor of Kangiqsujuaq, whose activities defined the modern economic appearance of the village. He was the main initiator of the creation of Pingualuit National Park, which turned the crater into a tourist attraction. Arngak is also known as a tough negotiator who achieved the signing of the "Raglan Agreement"—the first treaty in Canada between a mining company and the indigenous population on the joint sharing of benefits from subsurface use.
• Johnny Pilurtuut (1928–1995)
  Artist and Stone Carver
  An outstanding master whose sculptures from grey soapstone received international recognition. His works, distinguished by realism and attention to detail, are kept in museums and private collections around the world, telling viewers about the mythology and daily life of the Inuit.
• Mary Pilurtuut
  Politician and Regional Leader
  A prominent contemporary figure who served as mayor of the settlement for many years. She became the first woman to head the Kativik Regional Government. Mary actively promotes social programmes and supports the development of arts in the region.