History of Qikiqtarjuaq

The history of the settlement of Qikiqtarjuaq is inextricably linked to the harsh nature of the Arctic and the traditions of indigenous peoples. Located in the territory of Nunavut in Canada, this locality, formerly known as Broughton Island, has evolved from a temporary hunters' camp into a vital modern community.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the Inuit have visited these lands for millennia, the official establishment of the village as a permanent settlement occurred in the mid-20th century.

• Ancient History: Initially, the territory was used as a seasonal camp for hunting marine mammals. Nomadic groups of Inuit stopped here during their migrations.
• Modern Stage: The formation of a permanent settlement began in the 1950s. A key event was the construction of infrastructure related to northern development and security.

Key Development Factors

The development of Qikiqtarjuaq was defined by a combination of its unique geographical position and the geopolitical events of that time.

• Geography: Its location on an island in the Davis Strait, off the east coast of Baffin Island, made this place a strategically important point for navigation and iceberg observation.
• Military Presence: A decisive role was played by the construction of a station for the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line) — a radar detection system. This attracted resources to the region and contributed to the concentration of the population around the new facility.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy and culture of the early period represented a synthesis of the traditional way of life and new opportunities.

• Hunting Traditions: Despite the appearance of modern infrastructure, the foundation of life remained the hunting of seals, walruses, and whales. These skills were passed down from generation to generation and ensured survival in Arctic conditions.
• Transition to Sedentary Life: The emergence of jobs at the station and access to goods from the outside accelerated the transition of local residents from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one, forming a unique community known today as the "Iceberg Capital".

The story of the transformation from a seasonal hunters' camp to a modern community on Broughton Island is filled with events related to both geopolitics and the revival of traditions.

• 1955: Construction of the DEW Line station. The appearance of the military facility was the main reason for founding a permanent settlement on the island.
• 1960: Opening of a federal school. Access to education accelerated the process of nomadic Inuit families transitioning to settled life near the station.
• 1972: Foundation of Auyuittuq National Park. The settlement received the status of the "Northern Gateway" to the park, which gave impetus to the development of tourism.
• 1976: Election of the first municipal council, marking the beginning of local self-government formation.
• 1992: Modernization of the old radar station and its integration into the automated North Warning System.
• 1998: Official return of the historical Inuit name Qikiqtarjuaq instead of the English name, Broughton Island.
• 1999: Entry into force of the Nunavut Act. The settlement became part of the new territory of Nunavut within Canada.
• 2000s: Strengthening of the village's reputation as the "Iceberg Capital of the World" and development of infrastructure for ecological tours.

The development of Qikiqtarjuaq represents a journey of transformation from a seasonal Inuit camp to a modern Arctic municipality. The main milestones in the town's history are connected with integration into the global economy, the creation of an urban environment, and the preservation of cultural identity within Canada.

• Founding of the DEW Line Station (1955): The construction of the radar station was a town-forming factor. The appearance of the military facility brought permanent jobs and transport logistics to the region, which stimulated the concentration of the population in one point.
• Transition to Sedentary Life and Housing Construction (1960s): A large-scale government programme to resettle Inuit into stationary houses fundamentally changed the way of life. The appearance of permanent housing, a school, and a medical centre turned the temporary camp into a full-fledged village with social infrastructure.
• Formation of Local Self-Government (1976): The election of the first hamlet council allowed residents to independently manage the municipal budget and plan the development of the territory, laying the foundations for the community's political autonomy.
• Development of a Unique Marine Economy: Unlike many northern towns, a base for commercial fishing was created here. The launch of projects for halibut fishing and, uniquely for Nunavut, coastal clam harvesting, ensured economic stability and employment for the population.
• Creation of Auyuittuq National Park (1972): The inclusion of adjacent territories into the national park defined the town's tourism specialization. The status of the "Northern Gateway" to the park contributed to the development of small businesses focused on expedition support and eco-tourism.
• Cultural Re-identification (1998): The official change of name from the English "Broughton Island" to the Inuit "Qikiqtarjuaq" ("Big Island") became an important stage in restoring historical memory and strengthening the cultural sovereignty of local residents.
• Modernization of the Transport Hub: Reconstruction of the airport and improvement of navigation equipment allowed for the establishment of regular connections with the "mainland", which is critically important for supplying the town and exporting seafood.

The architectural appearance of the settlement of Qikiqtarjuaq is entirely dictated by the harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic and functional necessity. You will not find monuments of Classicism or Baroque here; urban planning in this region is the art of survival and adaptation to permafrost, strong winds, and low temperatures.

Urban Planning Features and Environmental Adaptation

The development of the village did not follow the classical canons of European urbanism. The structure of Qikiqtarjuaq formed spontaneously, relying on the geography of the rocky island and proximity to vital infrastructure facilities.

• Pile Construction: Most buildings are raised above the ground on piles (stilts). This is necessary so that heat from the houses does not thaw the permafrost, which could lead to foundation deformation.
• Compact Development: Buildings are located quite closely together to minimize the length of utility lines and protect streets from snowdrifts, while maintaining distance for fire safety.
• Colour Solutions: A characteristic feature of the village, like many settlements in northern Canada, is the bright facades of residential houses. Saturated blue, red, and green colours serve as visual landmarks during blizzards and compensate for the monochrome nature of the Arctic landscape.

Architectural Eras and Styles

In the history of construction, two key stages can be distinguished, each leaving its mark on the appearance of the settlement.

• The "DEW Line" Era (1950s — 1960s): The first permanent structures were exclusively military-industrial in character. These were utilitarian modular constructions of the radar station, designed for maximum autonomy and durability. The style can be characterized as Arctic Industrialism.
• The Era of Municipal Establishment (from the 1970s): With the transition to a sedentary lifestyle, the construction of standard housing for the Inuit began. The predominant type became frame wooden houses, brought in disassembled form on ships during the short navigation season. This style can be called Modern Arctic Vernacular — a combination of modern materials with a traditional understanding of space.

Landmark Structures

On the scale of a small settlement, the role of architectural dominants is played by public buildings that ensure the life of the community.

• Inuksuit School: One of the largest and most modern buildings in the village, serving not only as an educational centre but also as a community hub.
• Tulugak Co-op Hotel: An example of commercial architecture of the North, combining the functions of a hotel and a meeting place for local residents and tourists.
• Airport Building: A small but critically important terminal connecting the island with the outside world. Its simple geometry and functionality are typical for the transport infrastructure of Nunavut.

The history and modernity of the settlement of Qikiqtarjuaq are inextricably linked with the names of people who have contributed to the preservation of traditions, the development of art, and the political life of the region. Below are outstanding individuals whose destinies are intertwined with this Arctic land.

• Nowyakbik — A famous hunter and traveller of the early 20th century. He lived in the settlement of Kivitoo (the historical predecessor of Qikiqtarjuaq) and was one of the few Inuit of that time to visit Scotland. He acted as an intermediary between the local population and European whalers, consulting trading companies on goods for the North.
• Kowna — A respected historical figure who took over the management of the trading post in Kivitoo after the death of her husband. In the mid-20th century, she played a key role in providing the community with food and goods, demonstrating an example of female leadership in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
• Pauloosie Keyootak — A prominent political figure, member of the Legislative Assembly of the territory of Nunavut in Canada. He represented the interests of the Uqqummiut constituency, which includes Qikiqtarjuaq, actively defending the rights of local residents at the territorial government level.
• Simo Alikatuktuk — A talented sculptor and artist (born 1926). His works in stone and bone, depicting animals and hunting scenes, have received recognition from collectors and contributed to the popularization of Baffin Island Inuit art.
• Jonah Audlakiak — A community leader and long-time mayor of the settlement. He made a significant contribution to the development of municipal infrastructure and the organization of search and rescue operations in the region's complex mountainous terrain.
• Billy Arnaquq — An educator and cultural activist. Known for his efforts to preserve the Inuktitut language and integrate traditional Inuit knowledge (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) into the modern school curriculum.