Coming together as a community is a Nunavut tradition

With Nunavut Day approaching, Nunatsiaq News asked readers to share what makes their corner of the territory special to them.

Gjoa Haven Uqshruqtuuq, located on King William Island.

Northwest Passage founded by explorer Roald Amundsen who harboured in the bay called “finest little harbour in the world.”

Home of the two lost shipwrecks of the Franklin Expedition north of King William Island.

A remarkable history in the making of Gjoa Haven since the finding of the two Franklin shipwrecks. Inuit traditions and culture still play a vital role in the community of 180-plus people today and continue to pass down knowledge and traditions of the Inuit ways to generations today and tomorrow.

What I love about my community is that our community continues to help and support each other during times in need, to name a few. Fundraising for an airline ticket for a family member who is in need to see family who have passed on, we come together as a community and donate funds through local radio. Provide skills and knowledge by making traditional clothing such as mittens, kamiks, parkas, also traditional hunting tools like sleds, harpoon, cabins.

Sports facilities like the arena is open during winter season to watch hockey or go public skate, while the community hall and gymnasium are open for youth to enjoy sports or simply hang out with friends and meet new friends.

Meanwhile, our community continues to grow and we explore new opportunities to provide help and support to the people of our community. We are very honoured to have a place in Nunavut that is known as the Northwest Passage by two great explorers, where tourists have a keen interest in my community of Gjoa Haven.

Anna Aaluk is from Gjoa Haven.