Nunavik’s population up 12 per cent: 2011 census

Nunavik’s administrative hub, Kuujjuaq, grew by 11 per cent since the last census period, reaching a population of 2,375 residents in 2011. (PHOTO BY SARAH ROGERS)

The Nunavik region has seen a 12 per cent population increase since the last census, numbers from the 2011 census reveal.

Nunavik is not enumerated as a distinct region for the purpose of the census, but a look at its community populations shows that Nunavik grew to 12,090 residents in 2011, up from 10,784 residents in 2006.

That’s well above the eight per cent growth registered in Nunavut and more than twice Quebec’s growth rate (five per cent) in that period.

All but one of Nunavik’s 14 communities experienced population increases over the past five years. Inukjuak, the sole exception, saw its population remain unchanged at 1,597.

The region’s administrative hub, Kuujjuaq, grew by 11 per cent, reaching a population of 2,375 residents.

But Tasiujaq registered the largest growth at 22 per cent, bringing the tiny Ungava Bay community’s population to 303.

Akulivik, Kangiqsualujjuaq and Kangirsuk also noted high growth rates of between 18 and 21 per cent.

The lowest growth rate, apart from Inukjuak, was found in Ivujivik, where the population grew six per cent.

Across Quebec, the population grew five per cent since 2006 – up slightly from the previous census period (2001-2006). Both immigration and higher fertility were linked to the increase.

The stronger growth rates in Nunavik can be linked almost entirely to high fertility rates, as can the growth in many Nunavut communities.

Statistics Canada hasn’t released fertility rates specific to Nunavik, although Nunavut women bear an average of 3.2 children each.

Canada’s Inuit population remains the youngest and fastest growing of any aboriginal group, statistics released in December revealed.

By 2031, Inuit in Canada are likely to number between 73,000 and 77,000.

The Inuit population will grow at an average annual rate of as much as 1.5 per cent from 2006 to 2031 solely by natural increase, which is births minus deaths.

Throughout this period, the natural increase of Inuit will be the highest among all aboriginal groups in Canada, Statistics Canada said.