Harvaqtuurmiut facts for kids
The Harvaqtuurmiut (say "Har-vak-too-mee-oot") were a group of Inuit people who lived in Nunavut, Canada. Their name means "whirlpools aplenty people." They mostly lived inland along the lower Kazan River, near a place they called Harvaqtuuq. This area was very important because it's where many caribou cross the river. In 1995, this special place became a Fall Caribou Crossing National Historic Site. This means it's a protected place because of its history and importance to the caribou and the Harvaqtuurmiut.
Contents
History
Where They Lived
In the 1800s and 1900s, the Harvaqtuurmiut lived in the middle of Canada. This area was west of Hudson Bay. Besides the Kazan River, they also lived near Yathkyed Lake and the Kunwak River. They also lived inland towards Beverly Lake and the lower Dubawnt River. Their land was a meeting spot for different groups. This was because the Kazan River was a major crossing point for caribou in the fall.
Population Changes
In 1918, about 186 Harvaqtuurmiut people were counted. By 1922, this number dropped to 71. In the early 1980s, most of them moved to Baker Lake, a larger community.
Culture
The Harvaqtuurmiut shared many traditions and their language with other Inuit groups. These included the Ahiarmiut, Hauniqtuurmiut, Paallirmiut, and Qairnirmiut. By the 1800s, the Harvaqtuurmiut and Qairnirmiut were known to live inland and to the north. Some records say they rarely visited the coast. When they did, it was usually to trade, not to hunt sea animals. However, other records suggest sea animals were somewhat important to them in the summer.
Hunting and Survival
The Harvaqtuurmiut took part in the fur trade. But their main focus was the Barren-ground caribou. They relied on caribou for food, clothing, and shelter. The caribou's movements decided where the Harvaqtuurmiut built their homes. They were very skilled at hunting caribou when the animals crossed rivers in the autumn. They used sleek and well-made kayaks for hunting on the water.
Daily Life and Rituals
The Harvaqtuurmiut society had its own special traditions. One was called Niqaptaq. This was a goose hunting ritual. Hunters would spin strings with bones tied to the ends over their heads. When the strings wrapped around a goose's neck, the goose would fall to the ground. They also used moss smoke in their tents. This smoke helped keep mosquitoes away. Dried moss, collected in the summer, was also used to light fires.
Beliefs and Seasons
Drum dances were an important part of their culture. Sometimes, they were used when asking questions of Shamans (spiritual leaders). The movements in a drum dance could vary. People might bend their knees, move in a circle, stand still, or even run and jump. According to Rasmussen (1927), the Harvaqtuurmiut believed in Pinga. Pinga was an Inuit female spirit. She watched how people behaved. She would reward good behavior and punish bad behavior.
The Harvaqtuurmiut followed five seasons:
- Upinraqhaaq: This was the time when the snow began to melt.
- Upinraaq: This season included July and early August.
- Aujahajuq or Aujaq: This was from mid-August to September.
- Ukiaqhaq or Ukiaq: This season lasted from October to early November.
- Ukiuq: This was the longest season, from mid-November to April.
