Umingmuktogmiut facts for kids
The Umingmuktogmiut are a group of Copper Inuit people who lived in the northern part of Canada. They were known for living in a permanent community called Umingmuktog. This was special because many other Copper Inuit groups moved around a lot.
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Who Are the Umingmuktogmiut?
The Umingmuktogmiut are a specific group, or "band," of the Copper Inuit. A band is like a smaller family group within a larger community. They lived in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, which is a large territory in northern Canada.
They were called Copper Inuit because they historically used tools made from copper found in their area. The Umingmuktogmiut were unique among these groups because they had a settled home.
Where Did They Live?
The Umingmuktogmiut lived in a very cold but beautiful part of Canada. Their main home was on the western coast of a place called Kiillinnguyaq, also known as the Kent Peninsula.
They also lived further south in the eastern part of Bathurst Inlet. This area was near Everitt Point and the Barry Islands. Living in these places allowed them to find many animals for food and resources.
What Did They Hunt and Fish?
The land and waters around the Umingmuktogmiut's home were full of wildlife. This meant they had plenty of food to hunt and fish. They were skilled hunters and fishers.
They caught fish like Arctic char, which is a type of salmon. For hunting, they looked for animals such as the Arctic fox, known for its warm fur. They also hunted barren-ground caribou, which are a type of deer, and fur seals from the water. A very important animal for them was the muskox, a large, shaggy animal that looks a bit like a bison.
Life in Umingmuktog
Having a permanent community called Umingmuktog was a big advantage for the Umingmuktogmiut. It meant they didn't have to move their homes as often as other groups. This allowed them to build more stable lives.
Their community was a central place for hunting, fishing, and gathering. It helped them to survive and thrive in the Arctic environment.
The Trading Post and Changes
In 1964, a trading post was set up in their area. This post belonged to the Hudson's Bay Company, a very old Canadian trading company. The area was then called Bay Chimo.
Today, this place is known as Umingmaktok. In the Inuinnaqtun language, Umingmaktok means "place of many muskoxen." The trading post helped the Umingmuktogmiut trade furs and other goods.
What Happened to Umingmaktok?
Over time, the Hudson's Bay Company post eventually closed down. The population of Umingmaktok started to get smaller. The 2006 census, which counts people in Canada, reported that no one was living there at that time.
However, it's possible that some families have moved back to the community since then. The history of Umingmaktok shows how communities can change over the years.
