Igloolik Island facts for kids
Remnants of older Inuit sod houses in Igloolik Point
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 Igloolik Island
Location in Nunavut
Igloolik Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Foxe Basin |
| Coordinates | 69°23′N 81°40′W / 69.383°N 81.667°W |
| Archipelago | Arctic Archipelago |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Nunavut | Nunavut |
| Region | Qikiqtaaluk |
| Largest settlement | Igloolik |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,538 |
| Ethnic groups | Inuit |
Igloolik Island is a small island in Nunavut, Canada. It is found in the Foxe Basin, a large body of water. The island is very close to the Melville Peninsula and is part of the Arctic Archipelago.
The name Igloolik comes from the Inuktitut language. It means "there is an igloo here." The word iglu means "house" or "building." This name refers to the traditional sod houses, called qarmaq, that were once common in the area.
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History of Igloolik Island
People have lived on Igloolik Island for a very long time. Inuit and their ancestors have called this island home since about 2000 BC. This means people have lived here for over 4,000 years!
Important Historical Sites
Archaeologists have found many old sites on the island. These sites show how people lived from 2000 BC up to 1000 AD. Because of their historical importance, these sites were named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1978.
The Community of Igloolik
There is only one community on the island. It is also called Igloolik. This community is home to most of the island's people.
Qikiqtaarjuk Peninsula
On the north side of Igloolik Island, you will find a peninsula called Qikiqtaarjuk. Its name means "little island" in Inuktitut.
How Qikiqtaarjuk Changed
About 400 to 500 years ago, Qikiqtaarjuk was actually a separate island. But over time, the land slowly rose up. This process is called isostatic rebound. It caused Qikiqtaarjuk to connect with the main Igloolik Island.
Traditional Stories of the Land
According to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, which is traditional Inuit knowledge, there was an even smaller island before Qikiqtaarjuk. This island was called Puqtuniq. The water around it also receded, forming Qikiqtaarjuk. Many Inuit legends and stories are connected to Qikiqtaarjuk. It is even the place where the hero Atanarjuat begins his famous run in a well-known Inuit story.
