Igloolik and Hall Beach hunters finalize details for bowhead hunt

SARA ARNATSIAQ

The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board has given Igloolik and Hall Beach approval to proceed with this year’s bowhead hunt, the organization said Wednesday.

Now that the two communities have approval, they can begin finalizing plans for the hunt, including setting a date. Plans for the Igloolik and Hall Beach bowhead hunt are still being finalized, said Peter Awa the spokesperson for this year’s bowhead hunt.

He said that the two groups are still working out details, such as how long the rope should be, what kind of floaters to use and whether to use a harpoon gun or a spearhead gun. He said that the guidelines that have to be met are also part of the delay, something that is not in the Inuit culture.

Igloolik HTO members were in Hall Beach this month to meet with the members of that community’s HTO. They have also been teleconferencing with each other. The Hall Beach HTO members have been in Igloolik for meetings, and they have been busy faxing each other on decisions being made.

Awa also said that community members are asking “Are we going bowhead hunting?” and some of them cannot wait for the event. He said that the excitement of the community is a sign that everyone is supportive to the point that they might even go to Kangiq. Kangiq is between Igloolik and Hall Beach, where hunters will be camped for the hunt.