Tuktut Nogait National Park of Canada
At the request of the Kugluktuk Community Beneficiaries Committee (CBC), Parks Canada Agency (PCA) organized a public meeting in Kugluktuk in November 2004. At the conclusion of this meeting, the CBC members indicated that they would consider what they learned from the meeting and would provide further advice to PCA.

To date, PCA has not heard back from the Committee, and there has been no progress on this proposal since. PCA still intends to work with the community on a tourism potential study for the Bluenose Lake area. Scheduling for that study will be worked out in consultation with the Kugluktuk CBC, the Hamlet Council and the Hunters and Trappers Organizations.

Seal blubber cache with rock slab lid on Tinittuktuq Flats.

Ukkusiksalik National Park of Canada
For two weeks in August 2006, a boat survey to re-locate and record sites was conducted in the park. As the second year of a three-year project, the objective was to record selected sites in the main body of Wager Bay from Bennett Bay to the Paliak Islands. Work in the first year concentrated on Ford and Brown lakes at the western end of Wager Bay.

The August 2006 work was constrained by frequent polar bear sightings and encounters and by tides which curtailed boat travel through shallow waters.

About 20 sites were recorded and photographed in some detail. The sites are located at the Reversing Falls, Bennett Bay, Tinittuktuq Flats, Douglas Harbour and the Aiqqujat Islands.

On Tinittuktuq Flats are two sites with Thule semi-subterranean houses constructed with sod, rocks and bowhead whalebone. An interesting feature of these dwellings at one site is that there are two clusters of conjoined houses sharing a common entrance passage. A short distance away and at the same elevation on a rocky ridge are several Thule tent rings including a very large communal structure or kaggivik.

Most of the sites recorded had a number of features made with rocks: tent rings, qammait, igavit, caches, traps for foxes, wolves or wolverines, and qayaq rests. Artifacts such as snow goggles, an ulu handle, metal traps, and glass, wood and metal fragments were observed on several sites. One bone artifact was collected from a pond at a site in Bennett Bay to preserve it.

Sirmilik National Park of Canada
At the eastern end of Bylot Island sits the well-known site of Qaiqsut, also known as Qaersut. In 1927, Therkel Mathiassen of the Danish Fifth Thule Expedition described the site as an important location for summer narwhal hunting. Many archaeological features are scattered over the peninsula and five localities have been defined. The first is a recent grave (1947). The second is the Thule occupation, which consists of semi-subterranean winter houses and possible qammait as described by Mathiassen on the eastern side of the peninsula. On the western side of the peninsula are a number of graves, remains of the whaling industry and 20th century tent rings on the flats.

Because a section of the area is actively eroding and an increase in visitation to Qiaqsut is anticipated, the features on the peninsula were mapped using an automatic level and stadia rod. Each feature was also photographed and described.

The Thule site contains ten large sod, rock and whalebone dwellings on two levels. On the lower level, a few meters above the high tide mark on an eroding bank are two dwellings that Mathiassen may have referred to as qammait. Metal and ironstone pottery were found in association with one of these houses. Several large bowhead whalebones, some bearing metal cut marks, are on the lower slope and in a bone concentration is a qamutik fragment made of whalebone. In another house at the lower level, a slim roll of birchbark was observed. Seven stakes were inserted into the eroding slope to monitor the rate of erosion.

A cemetery with about 16 grave cairns lies on a ridge to the east of the Thule site.

Remains of the whaling industry are found lower on the beach in the form of a large metal container for whale oil and a try pot buried in beach cobbles. The final component on the flats above the high tide mark consists of tent rings, caches and artifacts of families who camped there in the mid 20th century.

A Thule house with curved entrance passage facing the beach.

East Bay and Harry Gibbons Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
Coastal habitats and lowlands support some of the highest terrestrial biodiversity in the Canadian Arctic. Knowledge of the distribution, abundance and diversity of habitats in Canadian Wildlife Services (CWS) Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBS) across the Arctic is necessary to ensure that wildlife resources are adequately protected for local communities, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.

In Nunavut, five MBS have been created to protect important habitats for the breeding Lesser Snow Goose. CWS defines a key habitat site as an area that supports at least one percent of the national population of any migratory bird species, or subspecies, at any given time. These five MBS protect the breeding grounds of more than 75% of the eastern and central Arctic populations of the Lesser Snow Goose. These sites also protect more than one percent of the national population of other migratory bird species, including the Atlantic Brant, Ross’s Goose, Sabine’s Gull and the Common Eider. Habitat classification and assessment has been completed in the Queen Maud Gulf MBS and is currently in progress for the Dewey Soper and McConnell River MBS.

Land cover classification of East Bay and Harry Gibbons MBS on Southampton Island was recently completed. These two sanctuaries are important nesting areas for geese and other migratory birds, including shorebirds and waterbirds, as well as other wildlife.

A variety of digital image tools, combined with ground-truthing data, were used to prepare a land cover map of Southampton Island. This project generated a baseline georeferenced map of the current habitat conditions of the island, which will assist in the future management of the bird populations and in the design and implementation of effective wildlife surveys. Similar efforts are underway for other federal and territorial protected areas, which will yield important products for assessing changes to Arctic wildlife and habitats at a time of intense and rapid environmental change.

Legislation and Program Development
A process of redefining core tools will see the development of a new Nunavut Parks and Special Places Program, a revised Territorial Parks Act and Regulations that better responds to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) and the nature of parks in Nunavut, a review of the Territorial Parks System and Historic Sites Plans and, pending confirmation of funding, the establishment of joint planning and management committees in keeping with the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA).

Due to NLCA related obligations and IIBA negotiations, Department of Environment (DoE) continued to apply the former NWT Territorial Parks Act which was adopted from the NWT when Nunavut was established. The Parks and Special Places Division completed a review in 2006 of that Act as a means of forming a new Parks and Special Places program and legislation. “Best practices” from other jurisdictions (classifications, management and zoning systems, legislative gaps related to the NLCA and IIBA, and national and international commitments) were all considered. DoE will continue with the development of a Nunavut Parks and Special Places program as a means of raising awareness of territorial parks and gathering community and territorial input toward the development of a new Territorial Parks Act for Nunavut.

Building a Knowledge Base: Nunavut Parks Geospatial Information
Over the past two years, Nunavut Parks and Special Places has been working toward a comprehensive database of all geospatial and related metadata and its Geographic Information System. Significant investments have been made in the collection and analysis of wide ranging geospatial information and geo-referenced data, including ecological data, bio-physical and physical inventories, typonomy, land surveys, land classifications and base mapping data.

In 2006, Nunavut Parks and Special Places was successful in partnering with other federal, provincial and territorial governments resulting in a five year project for the acquisition of new Medium Resolution Satellite Imagery which will continue to improve base mapping for territorial parks and Nunavut.

Once completed, the new imagery will significantly upgrade and improve the accuracy of existing topographic maps of Nunavut; improve navigational aids in Search and Rescue and general safety on the land; and improve habitat mapping, land use planning, environmental assessment, and park planning and management. These types of partnerships will build Nunavut’s geomatic resources.

An Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for Territorial Parks
The 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) changed the role of government in the protection of the environment for Nunavut. The Agreement recognizes the value of parks and conservation areas, and further defines an approach to the establishment of protected areas within Nunavut, including meaningful community involvement, management, and impact and benefit measures related to protected areas.

As part of the NLCA obligations, the Government of Nunavut (Department of Environment), Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and each of the three Regional Inuit Associations negotiated an Umbrella Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement (IIBA) for territorial parks. The IIBA establishes a process toward the joint management and planning of the lands and resources in existing and future territorial parks, provides for Inuit contracting and business opportunities, and includes the development of interpretive programs, park resource inventories, Inuit tourism opportunities and other benefits associated with parks. The establishment of co-management structures is instrumental in the development of the Nunavut Parks program.

Territorial Park Feasibility Studies and Related Projects
In 2001, the then Minister of Sustainable Development initiated community attraction development projects as a means of enhancing tourism and related economic development. These projects have seen design and fabrication of interpretive signs in Hall Beach related to the Fox Main Dew Line site, a parks and attraction development study in Kugaaruk, and preliminary studies in Clyde River and Coral Harbour. Based on this earlier work, Department of Environment has continued to work with communities on park feasibility studies in these areas.

Clyde River
The area around Clyde River, on the east coast of Baffin Island, includes open-ocean, deep inlets, icebergs, sheer mountain walls, glaciers, rivers, valleys and tundra. Wildlife in the area includes polar bears, seals, narwhal, bowhead whales, caribou, hare, arctic fox, and numerous species of birds. The rolling hills of the Barnes Plateau, found at the end of the fiords, are important caribou hunting grounds today just as they were for the families that lived in the fiords years ago, as evidenced by the Thule and earlier archaeological sites.

Phase One of a feasibility study assessed the conservation value of the land, culture, heritage and wildlife, and investigated potential opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic development. Phase Two, completed in 2006, focused on Ayr Lake, five fiords, hiking Revoir Pass, the Stewart Valley and other passes through the mountains connecting to the fiords.

Based on this work, the community recommended a park option that includes the fiords north of Clyde River because the area is one of the most scenic arctic fiord landscapes and is a culturally important area to Inuit as many local families once lived in the study area. The area has high potential for long term economic diversity and growth related to tourism and recreation, and has many economic and recreation opportunities for guides and outfitters in Clyde River. In addition to protecting important cultural and natural heritage, development of a territorial park will provide economic diversity, employment, education and training opportunities for the people of Clyde River.

The recommended boundary includes Inuit Owned Lands as well as marine areas, both of which would require additional discussions between the community, the Qivalliq Inuit Association (QIA) and territorial and federal partners, and may or may not necessarily be included in any potential territorial park.

Nunavut Parks and Special Places will continue to work with QIA toward park planning and establishment in keeping with the processes agreed to in the Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement. This will include the establishment of a Community Joint Planning and Management Committee to prepare more detailed descriptions and assessments of the wildlife, vegetation, cultural, archaeological and mineral resources; Inuit place names and oral histories; as well as guiding consultations with other stakeholders. Only with a full understanding of all the important resources can appropriate boundaries be defined to maximize conservation, recreation and tourism without impacting other valid land uses.

Clyde River feasibility study area.

Alijivik limestone cache.

Fossil Creek - Coral Harbour
Nunavut Parks and Special Places has been working with the community of Coral Harbour to identify potential locations to preserve the natural and cultural history of areas on Southampton Island, and to identify potential economic development opportunities for the community through tourism. With community support the historic site of Alijivik was identified as the park option.

Alijivik is located on Inuit Owned Lands (IOL), which are managed by the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA), and as such requires agreements with the KIA, and between the Hamlet and the KIA, for the development of a territorial park on IOL. Until such agreements are in place, the Alijivik proposal cannot be advanced.

In consultation with the Hamlet, an interpretive trail program was developed at Fossil Creek, which is renowned for its high concentration of exposed fossils and could serve as a local attraction in support of a future territorial park. Research of the area included the natural history; fieldwork and an inventory of the natural features; and open houses to present the research and fieldwork findings, and to ask for community input on the direction of the signage program. Signage design is expected to be completed in early 2007, with fabrication and installation following later in the year. A new brochure and airport signage is included in the project.

Kugaaruk Territorial Park
Based on the recommendations of the 2001 parks and attractions development study, in 2005 the Department of Environment initiated a feasibility study for park development in Kugaaruk to protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and to enhance opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic development.

Following a preliminary resource inventory, and community consultations and discussions with the Parks Steering Committee, the study area was expanded to take advantage of coastal areas, hiking and camping, physiography, wildlife, vegetation and cultural heritage.

Five areas were identified for potential park opportunities and further fieldwork and community consultations are now necessary to select a primary site and complete the park master planning and development. Funding availability and access to lands, which have largely been claimed for prospecting or mineral development, will determine timelines and schedules for further park planning and establishment.

Northwest Passage Trail
In 1993/94, Northwest Passage Territorial Park was developed in order to showcase the search for the Northwest Passage and to increase the tourism potential of Gjoa Haven. Northwest Passage Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail with six stops at points of historical interest throughout the community. The trail tells the story of the many failed expeditions and the one successful attempt of Roald Amundsen through the Northwest Passage. In addition to the trail, the Hamlet office displays artifacts that describe Amundsen’s exploration and time in the community. In 2003, a monument was erected within the community to commemorate the centenary of Amundsen’s arrival to Gjoa Haven. A Visitor/Heritage Center within the community is currently undergoing renovation and will be used in the future to showcase photographs and artifacts pertaining to the Northwest Passage.

A review and upgrade of the interpretive signage and trail in Gjoa Haven was initiated in 2005/06 to better develop tourism opportunities for the community. This included new research and consultation with the community on the history of the Northwest Passage to give structure and direction to the development of a new interpretive program. Trail inventory and assessment, and redesign and development of new signage, including messaging at the Amundsen cairn in Gjoa Haven were also given consideration. Signage fabrication is expected to be completed in early 2007 for installation later in the year. A new brochure and airport signage is included in the project.

Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park
Just inland from the west coast of Hudson Bay, about eight kilometres northwest of the community of Rankin Inlet, lies Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga (“the land around the river of little fishes”) Territorial Park. In summer and fall, visitors and residents enjoy the river’s spectacular scenery, fishing, swimming, berry picking and viewing the park’s abundant wildlife, including the peregrine falcon. The park’s most outstanding feature is the historic site Qamaviniqtalik (“place of ancient sod houses”) and its interpretive walking trail located on the flood plains of the Meliadine River. The numerous archaeological features at Qamaviniqtalik are representative of the transition from the Thule culture to the historic Caribou Inuit culture.

Park development has been ongoing since the summer of 2003 and there are now three picnic areas, a small camping area with tent pads, and a newly renovated cabin with a wood stove. Visitation to the park has been steadily increasing since 2003 and the park is used by the community as a staging area for activities during cruise ship visits and for other special events in the community. A park brochure and guidebook were completed in 2005 and interpretive signage will be installed in the summer of 2007. Future plans include the development of hiking/interpretive trails.

Katannilik Territorial Park.

Katannilik Territorial Park
Katannilik (“the place of waterfalls”), in south Baffin near Kimmirut, is an area of approximately 1,270 km², almost all of it in the Soper River watershed – a Canadian Heritage River. The park provides opportunities for water-based recreation including rafting, canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.

The community, with assistance from park staff, organizes cultural events for park and cruise ship visitors. Summer visitor use alone has increased the economic impacts in Kimmirut for arts and crafts, home-stay programs, and community events. The Soper House, the home of the 1930s explorer and biologist Dewey Soper, now serves as the Soper House Gallery where soapstone carvings, jewelry made from local stone, and handicrafts can be purchased.

Katannilik Park staff continue to host annual summer science camps in the park where local students learn about wildlife and plant ecology, traditional use of rocks and minerals, navigation using rocks/stars, and safe boating skills on a river.

As a result of the increased tourism to the park, Department of Environment has completed construction at Taqaiqsirvik campground in Kimmirut, and an emergency shelter and a boathouse at Soper Falls, all to aide Katannilik Park staff in monitoring activities within the park.

Kekerten Territorial Park
Kekerten Territorial Park is located 50 km from Pangnirtung within Cumberland Sound. As a highly used Scottish Whaling Station during the 1850s and 1860s, a number of artifacts remain behind, including the 1857 foundations of three storehouses, large cast-iron pots, and restored tent frames and rings.

The Government of Nunavut and the community of Pangnirtung have been working together on a restoration project for Kekerten. The development of the Scottish Whaling Station will support local outfitters providing tours to the park by increasing the interpretive potential of the site to include the relationship of Inuit with the whalers. A three dimensional skeletal structure ghosting the whaling station with removable fabric interpretive panels, and several interactive interpretive stations have been developed. It is expected that fabrication and construction will begin in 2007 and extend into 2008.

An emergency shelter and outhouse facilities at Kekerten have been redeveloped and Nunavut Parks and Special Places is assessing interpretive signage and other site needs in keeping with capital planning.

Kugluk Territorial Park.

Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park
Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park is located 15 km southwest of the community of Kugluktuk, around Bloody Falls on the lower Coppermine River. The Falls are the focal point of the park. The 10 hectare area contains remnants of Thule winter houses used more than 500 years ago, archaeological evidence of caribou hunting camps of more than 1,500 years ago, Pre-Dorset use of the site more than 3,500 years ago and a rich history of Arctic exploration. It is because of its rich history of occupation, and perhaps the most famous battle of the north, that Bloody Falls was declared a national historic site in 1978.

Local use of the area for camping and fishing is increasing, reflecting the traditional use of the site. The park is a convenient place to camp for canoeing and rafting parties descending the Coppermine River, and a newly constructed portage trail provides easy traverse around the rapids. A trail development study in 2006 included the design of ATV trails, parking areas and a bridge within the park in response to use impacts on slopes and embankments and related concerns for visitor safety. It also provided a means of directing visitor use to existing camping and day use areas. Construction and park development, in keeping with the study, is expected to begin in 2007.

Mallikjuaq Territorial Park
Mallikjuaq (“big wave”) is an appropriate name for an island where rounded rock hills and low tundra valleys resemble giant rolling waves. Mallikjuaq Territorial Park, a 45 minute walk from Cape Dorset, better reflects the human history than its geology. The park showcases archaeological sites and stone structures dating back over three millennia.

Nunavut Parks and Special Places completed site improvements at the Mallikjuaq Visitor Centre and fabricated and installed a new park entrance sign. Future work includes the development and construction of interpretive panels and boardwalks at some of the key locations in the park, and a landing area for cruise ships and other visitors. These projects will, in part, protect archaeological sites and the land from deterioration which is necessary because of the increasing number of park visitors.

Ovayok Territorial Park
Ovayok, or Mount Pelly, is a large esker that dominates the landscape within this territorial park just 15 km east of the community of Cambridge Bay. According to the local legend of Ovayok, the three esker mountains were once a family of giants who died of starvation while walking across Victoria Island in search of food. Visitors can explore the legend and the rich cultural history associated with Ovayok as they hike through the park, whether a day trip or camping for several days.

Ovayok Territorial Park is easily accessible by vehicle and visitors will likely see musk oxen while driving to, or within, the park. The area also is renowned for its diversity and numbers of Arctic birds, and many bird watchers from around the world are attracted by opportunities to add to their life lists.

The design and printing of a park brochure and guidebook, the identification of hiking routes, and the fabrication of interpretive signage to support local outfitters providing tours to the park were initiated in 2006. Installation should be complete in summer 2007.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park.

Sylvia Grinnell and Qaummaarviit Territorial Parks
Located one kilometre from the heart of Iqaluit, Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park provides an opportunity for many visitors and residents to easily access an Arctic landscape. The park provides visitors with a chance to see a variety of Arctic plants, mammals and birds. Cultural heritage in the park area includes traditional fishing sites at the Sylvia Grinnell River rapids, stone cairns and Thule ruins. A recent recreation study in Iqaluit found demand and use of the park has made Sylvia Grinnell Park Iqaluit’s number one recreation site.

As a result of increased year-round use and related impacts, work continues on trail development and additional use areas. The development of an interpretive program has been completed and orientation and interpretive signs have been installed.

Qaummaarviit, an island located approximately 14 km west of Iqaluit by boat, is a Thule heritage site and represents more than 750 years of Inuit occupation. The remains of summer houses, kayak stands, meat caches and other archaeological features can be observed. The park also contains the remains of 11 winter houses which were built with raised living surfaces and deep entries to minimize cold living conditions. Department of Environment has redeveloped the interpretive walking trail and designed and installed new interpretive signs which offer a glimpse of the remarkable features left by past inhabitants of this area.

Nunavut Parks and Special Places is continuing to work with the Trans Canada Trail Foundation, the Department of National Defense and the Rotary Club of Iqaluit to design and construct a pedestrian bridge over the Sylvia Grinnell River in keeping with the park master plan. A pedestrian bridge would connect park users to the other side of Sylvia Grinnell River and hiking to Qaummaarviit Territorial Park.

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