Introduction

History

Introduction
Located in the Kivalliq Region, at 61o07 N and 94o03 W, Arviat is the second-most southern community in Nunavut, located approximately 260 km north of Churchill, Manitoba. On the west coast of Hudson Bay, Arviat stretches 11/2 km along a narrow sandy peninsula. Arviat is the third-largest community in Nunavut, with a fast-growing population of approximately 2100 people, 92% of which are Inuit.

Arviat’s landscape is known for its extremely flat tundra consisting of low-lying shrubs, muskeg, and the occasional sand and gravel ridges (eskers). This prairie-like land is treeless, but one only needs to travel 90 kilometers South of Arviat to reach the tree line. In the summer, the land is a burst of color with tiny flowers, lichens, willow bushes, and mosses. In the warmer seasons (July-October) the wetlands are created by melting snow (bring your rubber boots!). Although, the permafrost leads to quite marshy ground and limited growth of vegetation, the conditions are ideal for berry picking.

History
Formerly recognized as Eskimo Point, Arviat’s name was derived from the Inuktitut name arviq because the nearby coastal landscape resembles the shape of a bowhead whale, 7 kilometers east of town. Traditionally, the town was known as Tikirajualaaq, meaning a little long point. Thule culture sites here date back to AD 1100. Many ancient qajaq stands found at traditional summer campsites are evidence that hundreds of Inuit gathered in this area. Two of these sites, Arvia'juaq (an island shaped like a big bowhead) and Qikiqtaarjuk (little island), were designated National Historic Sites in 1995.

When the Hudson's Bay Company established a post here in 1921, campsites were moved into the vicinity as trapping became increasingly profitable. Arctic fox were plentiful and the harsh climate ensured thick, full coats. A visit to Nuvuk, the site of the old HBC post, will introduce visitors to one of the last York boats to ply the waters of Hudson Bay.

The early history of the Roman Catholic mission, established in 1924, can be viewed through exhibits at the Mikilaaq Centre, a diocese-operated community centre located in the original Roman Catholic church. The Anglican mission,founded in 1926, brought missionaries Donald and Winifred Marsh of England to the Arctic. Their books, including Echoes from a Frozen Land, paint a colorful picture of the area in the early days.

At the same time that caribou migration patterns changed, demand for furs dwindled, creating hardship for many groups of inland Inuit. Several groups scattered such as the Padlermiut, Taeormiut, and the Ahiarmiut. Among the hardest hit were the Ahiarmiut, described in Canadian author Farley Mowat's books, People of the Deer and The Desperate People. Eventually, the Canadian government relocated them to Arviat. The community's Federal Day School opened in 1959, marking the beginning of permanent settlement. By the 1960s, a nursing station was in operation and many new services were established in the North, changing Eskimo Point forever more.

Iglu building in Nunavut

Snowstorms in Nunavut

Sunrise in Arviat

Weather
The best way to describe northern weather is unpredictable. On the calmest of days you can suddenly be thrown into a blinding blizzard. Usually, the days have a moderate to strong wind blowing from the northwest.

The first snow can be expected sometime in mid to late October. January, February, and March are the coldest months. In February, the temperature ranges from approximately –25 to –35oC, but may feel like –50 to –65oC with the combined wind chill! February and March are generally the “storm” months for Arviat. This is the time of year when most of the blizzards happen, although you will almost surely experience some earlier. During the winter months, the air in your home can become very dry, so you may wish to bring a humidifier with you - and lots of lotion.

The weather in the summer can be quite pleasant. July and August can see the temperatures average between 15 and 20oC. Do not be surprised if you also see a thunder shower or two! There are a lot of flies in and around town. Bring some insect repellant and some Raid with you, as you will have many flies in your house in the summer and fall!

It is crucial to equip yourself properly prior to arrival. Anticipate and prepare for the dramatic seasonal lighting. The coldest days are short and dark for the months leading up to January. From February to August the long bright days return. Bring those special props to help you adapt to the brightness and darkness. (SUNGLASSES are essential!)

Wildlife
There is a diversity of animals that surround Arviat. During the warmer seasons, Arctic ground squirrels, also known as siksik can be heard and seen popping in and out of their burrows. During August, there is great opportunity to see pods of beluga whales traveling through the Bay. During the Victoria Day long weekend, local people will gather on the ice to participate in the annual fishing derby. The common types of fish caught include Arctic grayling, Char, and cod. Occasionally, some lake trout caught have been known to reach up to a meter long. (Bring your BBQ!)

Caribou, seal, and beluga hunting are traditional activities still pursued by many Inuit to provide food and clothing to their families. A fishing license can be obtained from the local Hunter and Trappers Organization. Hunting and trapping by non-Inuit are restricted. During the spring, there is great excitement as the geese migrate back into the Northern region. Many people spend time collecting eggs, and hunting. On the outskirts of Arviat, thousands of birds gather for the nesting season. Expect to see geese, ptarmigan, owls, loons, ducks, swans, and much more.

From October to December, polar bears can be plentiful around Arviat. You will have a good chance to see one at the local dump, which is a glimpse away from town. During polar bear season, it is strongly recommended that you do not venture outside the community without a gun or an experienced guide.

If you are fortunate, you might see a buluga whale!

Caribou are a common sight in Nunavut

Nunavut is a great place to fish!

Transportation

Housing

Transportation
Arviat is serviced by two airlines: Calm Air and Kivalliq Air. Calm Air is the most commonly used airline, and offers two daily flights both north to Rankin Inlt and south to Churchill and Winnipeg. Flying to and from Arviat can occasionally be a challenge to a person’s patience. In the winter, flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather. The airline does not pay for expenses when a flight to Arviat is cancelled or delayed due to weather.

Local transportation consists primarily of snowmobiles and ATV’s. A number of residents have a car and/or truck. There is a school bus that transports elementary students to and from school. As well, three taxi services are available: Joe’s Taxi, Paul’s Taxi, and Kanayok’s Taxi. The cost of a ride is $5 anywhere in town, and $5-10 to the airport, per person.

Housing
The newest government units are located closest to the airport. These houses are fully furnished, and you have the option of a 2 or 3 bedroom unit. The bedrooms and living room are carpeted, and the oil furnace heating costs are included in your rent. Another option is to live in the castles, which are relatively new two story apartments, but are unfurnished. The one bedroom units are usually hard to receive, but are known to have less space, and lower rent. You can be asked to be put on a waiting list if you desire living alone.

When you are assigned an apartment, be sure to ask if it is a furnished or unfurnished unit. Furniture in furnished units include complete bedroom and living room furniture, a fridge and stove, as well as washer and dryer. Microwave ovens, televisions, stereos, and curtains are not included. Rent ranges from approximately $900. to $1200, which will be deducted from your biweekly pay. Utilities such as water delivery, sewage pump out, power, telephone, and cable/satellite services are not included in your rent. Both water and sewage services are provided by trucks, and are usually delivered every other day. Bring your Brita water filters and prepare yourself for no-water blizzard days. When you arrive in town, visit the hamlet office to have your services set up. Be aware that some of the units are older than others. If you are placed in an older apartment, you may have to do some necessary cleaning. Although, the units have been maintained, do not be surprised if certain features need replacement over time. Many of the older units are two stories, and provide sufficient space for small families or roommates. The new 1-level units are only 1-2 years old, and have a considerably large crawl space great for storage. Generally, individuals will pair up to reduce rent costs.

The Airport Terminal in Arviat

John Arnaludjuak School in Arviat

John Arnaludjuak School in Arviat

School

School
Currently, there are three schools in Arviat: Levi Angmak Elementary, with an enrollment of 275 students, Qitiqliq Middle School, with 190 students, and John Arnaludjuak School, with a population of 290 students.
The average class size at both schools is 20-25 students per class (lower class size for senior high classes). There are art, drama, music, and cultural programs at the high school. It is strongly recommended that you bring any teaching resources that you have accumulated.
Some of the students at Levi Angmak School are taught in Inuktitut, with a period of ESL taught to them each day. In grade four, the students are taught in English 50% of the time, and Inuktitut for the other 50% of the time. From grades five and up, the students are taught in English. At the JS and SS levels, ESL adaptations are necessary to ensure that all student needs are met. Inuktitut classes are also continued through the senior levels. It is essential that teachers modify their southern approach of teaching by incorporating culturally relevant material.

John Arnaludjuak School in Arviat

Food
Arviat has three main stores for general shopping. The Northern Store, the Padlei Co-op, and Eskimo Point Lumber Supply sell fresh, frozen and dry goods. Fresh produce is flown in twice a week, and special requests are welcomed. The Eskimo Point Lumber Supply store has limited selection of fresh food, but has great prices on canned and non-perishable food items. The Eskimo Point Lumber Supply also has a great selection of ATV, snowmobile, and hardware goods. The Co-op store is also considered a great bargain shop for food and various items.

Milk, bread, and produce are generally brought into Arviat on scheduled passenger flights at least once a week. Wednesdays are the best days to go shopping, as produce is usually brought in on Tuesday’s flight. The majority of the stores’ non-perishables are brought to Arviat once a year by sea-lift.

Some people choose to do their own sea-lift orders out of Montreal or Winnipeg. Sea-lift orders must be done before you arrive in Arviat, as the sea-lift companies have cut-off dates. If you decide to order your food order, companies such as Sobeys (from Thompson, Manitoba), or Marche Turenne (from Montreal) are the most commonly used companies. Many people also use their opportunities to travel down south to stock up on essential personal items or specialty foods.

For more information on summer sea-lift boat schedules, phone Desgagnes Transarctik Inc. + Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc. at (450) 635-0883, or visit their website at: www.arcticsealift.com

For information on summer sea-lift orders from Winnipeg phone Gardewine North customer service at (800) 665-7340 or visit their website at: www.gardewine.com/sealift.html

Banks
There are no banks in Arviat, but there is an ATM machine, which
provides withdrawal services only. Normal banking activities can be done over the telephone, or online banking, or through the slower mailing process. Credit cards and debit cards are commonly used to purchase items, and all personal cheques must be sent away as there is no deposit option in town.

Communications
For phone service, call Northwestel at 1-800-661-0493. A
residential line costs $35. per month. A long distance calling plan is available for $25. per month.
The Internet is available at both schools, at the local Donald Suluk library, and at most government businesses. You can get Sympatico dial up service at your home.
CBC radio broadcasts on the 105.1 FM station several times a day. The local radio station Arviaqpaluk (the voice of Arviat) airs in various intervals throughout the day. This radio station provides a great chance for people to send personalized messages, sell items, make a request, perform interviews, play music, or announce any local or regional news.
For cable TV hook up (45 channels for $58.50 per month), call the Padlei Co-op.
Both Star Choice and Bell Express-Vu satellites work in Arviat. If you decide to bring a satellite system with you, make sure that you bring the largest-sized dish. This size dish will give you the best reception, especially in bad weather. You will save money if you bring one up with you, as opposed to buying one when you arrive in the town.

Medical
The Health Centre is staffed by nurses. Doctors and specialists visit on a regular basis. Working people may see the nurse between 8 and 8:30 am with little or no waiting time Mondays to Fridays. The nursing station is open at other times for emergencies and by appointment. Patients are flown to Churchill or Winnipeg for major medical emergencies or procedures. Also, a local dentist is present in town, and an eye-team will visit every couple of months.

Police
The local detachment is staffed by four officers. The office is open during regular business hours. Officers are available for emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends. To contact the Arviat RCMP detachment, call 857-0123, if there is no one to receive the call, you can call 857-1111, which will connect you to Iqaluit.

Churches
There are four churches in Arviat: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Alliance and Glad Tidings. They all hold regular services as well as a variety of other activities in the evenings and on weekends. The Anglican Church was recently closed down, causing Anglican services to be relocated to the RC church until a new space is provided.

Recreation
The Levi Angmak school gym is open most evenings for a variety of sports organized by the recreation department of the hamlet of Arviat. The high school gym is frequently used for games of floor hockey, soccer, badminton and teen dances. The local arena also has a variety of sporting events including hockey and public skating, as well as regular square dances, games and feasts. In the summer months many locals play baseball, go swimming, or play traditional land games.

Venturing out on the land on your snowmobile or ATV is a great way to enjoy the many historic sites or simply take in the serenity and breathtaking views surrounding Arviat. The spring and summer months are the best months to see wildlife, and explore the vast landscape.

The Sivulinut Elders Society, Arviat Youth Piliriqatigiit, and Arviat
Film Initiative are a few examples of many groups that are commonly found organizing events for the community. Each year the community comes together to celebrate or participate in the Dog team races, the Igloo project, Skidoo races, and the Inuumariit Music Festival during Labor day weekend.

Experienced guides working at both schools are always willing to take you out for trips on the land. The staffs at both schools usually try to plan a day trip at the beginning of the school year.

A great summer excursion is a boat ride to Sentry Island. Sentry Island is a national historic landmark about 5 kilometers off the coast of Arviat where there are prehistoric Inuit sites. During the course of the year you will have the opportunity to go out with your class and experienced guides to enjoy traditional Inuit activities and northern scenery!

Northern Store in Arviat

Church service in Arviat

Additional Information

Arviat is a dry community. This means that alcohol is prohibited. It is illegal to possess any amount of alcohol. Persons caught with alcohol will receive a fine and possible community service. The penalty for a professional educator caught with alcohol may be dismissal from employment.