Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut

Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut - Page 1

Qikiqtarjuaq ("big island") (formerly known as Broughton Island until 1 November 1998), is an island in Nunavut, Canada, off Baffin Island in Davis Strait, and a part of Qikiqtaaluk Region. It is served by the small Qikiqtarjuaq Airport and a nine-room inn, The Tulugak Hotel. The island is known for Arctic wildlife, whale watching and as the northern access point for Auyuittuq National Park (see also Pangnirtung). Outfitter services are available. Other services are limited. A nurses station, RCMP station and local Hamlet provide vital resources for the community. The nurses station is composed of two nurses plus local volunteers and assistants, the RCMP station is a one-person detachment but sometimes hosts two officers.

As of the 2006 census the population was 473, a decrease of 8.9% from the 2001 census.^[1]

Qikiqtarjuaq annually hosts the "Suicide Prevention Walk". Local participants walk a total distance of 60km across the tundra from an old whaler's station called "Kivitu". The walk is completed in 2 and a half days and is meant to promote hope among the community.

Qikiqtarjuaq lies in the Baffin Mountains which in turn form part of the Arctic Cordillera mountain range.