Rankin Inlet
| Rankin Inlet Kangiqliniq ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ |
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 Rankin Inlet
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| Coordinates: 62°48′35″N 092°05′58″W / 62.80972°N 92.09944°WCoordinates: 62°48′35″N 092°05′58″W / 62.80972°N 92.09944°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Nunavut |
| Region | Kivalliq Region |
| Electoral districts | Rankin Inlet North Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove |
| Government[1][2] | |
| • Type | Hamlet Council |
| • Mayor | Pujjuut Kusugak[3] |
| • MLAs | Tagak Curley Lorne Kusugak |
| Area[4] | |
| • Total | 120.24 km2 (46.4 sq mi) |
| Elevation[5] | 28 m (92 ft) |
| Population (2006)[4] | |
| • Total | 2,358 |
| • Density | 19.6/km2 (50.8/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CST (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| Canadian Postal code | X0C 0G0 |
| Area code(s) | 867 |
| Telephone Exchange | 645 |
| GNBC Code | OANSI |
| NTS Map | 055K16 |
| Waterway | Hudson Bay |
| Website | www.rankininlet.net |
Rankin Inlet (Inuktitut: Kangiqliniq;[6] Inuktitut syllabics: ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ[7] or Kangirliniq,[8] ᑲᖏᖅᖠᓂᖅ,[7] meaning deep bay/inlet) is an Inuit hamlet on Kudlulik Peninsula in Nunavut, Canada.[9] Located on the northwestern Hudson Bay, between Chesterfield Inlet and Arviat, it is the regional centre for the Kivalliq Region.
As of the 2006 census the population was 2,358, an increase of 8.3% from the 2001 census.[4] It is the second-most populated community in Nunavut (behind the capital of Iqaluit). The hamlet has a land area of 20.24 km² (7.8 sq mi).
In the 1995 Nunavut capital plebiscite, Iqaluit defeated Rankin Inlet to become territorial capital of Nunavut.
Contents |
[edit] History
Archaeological sites established the area was inhabited around 1200 A.D. by Thule people, bowhead whale hunters. By the late 18th century, they were succeeded by Caribou Inuit who hunted the inland barren-ground caribou, and fished for Arctic charr along the coast, as well as the Diane River and Meliadine River. The Hudson's Bay Company established itself throughout the bay in the 17th century. There was an unfortunate expedition shipwrecked on Marble Island, 32 km east of Rankin Inlet: James Knight's expedition died in the island around 1722, despite its proximity to the HBC trading post on Rankin Inlet. HBC contact was followed in the mid-19th century by American and European whalers, who were followed by fur traders trapping white fox skins in the early 20th century, followed by missionaries who brought a written language system.[10][11]
The town itself was founded by the owners of the Rankin Inlet Mine, just north of Johnston Cove. Starting in 1957, the mine produced nickel and copper ores from an underground operation. The mine was the first case of Inuit miners in Canada. When the mine closed in 1962, Rankin Inlet had a population of approximately 500 Inuit, and 70-80% had been mine workers. Several unsuccessful attempts followed to develop alternate sources of income for the town. These included a pig ranch in 1969 and a chicken raising venture in the 1970s. Both animal groups were fed a diet of local fish which, unfortunately, gave the meat an unpleasant flavour. It was also common for the animals to freeze to death or be eaten by polar bears.[12]
[edit] Natural resources
Rankin Inlet is notable for the chilling wind, severe winter storms, and water resources. The Diana River empties from the north into the hamlet's namesake inlet. The small Kudlulik Peninsula has several lakes, the largest being Nipissak Lake, and is flanked by two bays, Melvin Bay on the west and Prairie Bay on the east. Pangertot Peninsula, on the inlet's far western shore, provides a barrier shelter for the smaller Kudlulik Peninsula. Dozens of islands dot the inlet, including Thomson Island, the largest, and the Barrier Islands, the longest chain. These natural resources attract tourists who hunt, fish, and canoe. The Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park, 10 km northwest of Rankin Inlet, is notable for hiking, fishing, bird watching and Thule archaeologial sites. [13] [14]
[edit] Services
The community is served by the Rankin Inlet Airport, and by annual supply sealift. Groceries and household goods can be purchased at The North West Company Northern store or at the Kissarvik Cooperative. There are two convenience stores, one being The Red Top Variety Shop formally the Innukshuk Shop and the other being Kativik True Value Hardware. Both are locally owned and operated. There are several places to dine out which include The Wildwolf Cafe, The Captain's Galley which is in the Siniktarvik Hotel, The Quick Stop, Turrarvik Inns North, and the Sugar Rush Cafe.
[edit] Art
Rankin Inlet is not only notable for its artists and artisans, it is recognized as housing the only Inuit fine-arts ceramics production facility in the world.[15] Community artists work in a variety of mediums including ceramics, prints, bronze castings, carvings, watercolor and drawing. The Matchbox Gallery, founded in 1987, showcases art work and provides educational resources.
[edit] Climate
| Climate data for Rankin Inlet Airport | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Humidex | -3.0 | -4.4 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 13.4 | 26.3 | 32.2 | 31.8 | 21.8 | 8.5 | 1.4 | -2.5 | 32.2 |
| Record high °C (°F) | 23.4 (74.1) |
−4.4 (24.1) |
1.3 (34.3) |
3.4 (38.1) |
14.1 (57.4) |
26.1 (79.0) |
28.9 (84.0) |
30.5 (86.9) |
20.6 (69.1) |
9.3 (48.7) |
0.9 (33.6) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
30.5 (86.9) |
| Average high °C (°F) | −28.3 (−18.9) |
−26.2 (−15.2) |
−20.9 (−5.6) |
−11.7 (10.9) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
7.9 (46.2) |
14.9 (58.8) |
13.0 (55.4) |
5.8 (42.4) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
−13.9 (7.0) |
−22.9 (−9.2) |
−7.26 (18.94) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −31.9 (−25.4) |
−30.1 (−22.2) |
−25.2 (−13.4) |
−16.3 (2.7) |
−5.9 (21.4) |
4.2 (39.6) |
10.4 (50.7) |
9.5 (49.1) |
3.4 (38.1) |
−5.3 (22.5) |
−17.8 (0.0) |
−26.7 (−16.1) |
−10.98 (12.25) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −35.5 (−31.9) |
−33.9 (−29.0) |
−29.5 (−21.1) |
−20.8 (−5.4) |
−9.2 (15.4) |
0.4 (32.7) |
5.9 (42.6) |
5.9 (42.6) |
0.9 (33.6) |
−8.2 (17.2) |
−21.6 (−6.9) |
−30.4 (−22.7) |
−14.67 (5.60) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −46.1 (−51.0) |
−49.8 (−57.6) |
−43.4 (−46.1) |
−35.7 (−32.3) |
−23.8 (−10.8) |
−9.4 (15.1) |
−1.9 (28.6) |
−1.4 (29.5) |
−9 (15.8) |
−27.4 (−17.3) |
−36.5 (−33.7) |
−43.6 (−46.5) |
−49.8 (−57.6) |
| Wind chill | −66.8 | −70.5 | −64.4 | −53.4 | −35.9 | −17.6 | −5.6 | −8.8 | −18.1 | −42.7 | −55.3 | −62.4 | −70.5 |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 6.6 (0.26) |
8.9 (0.35) |
12.6 (0.496) |
14.3 (0.563) |
18.4 (0.724) |
29.8 (1.173) |
39.5 (1.555) |
57.6 (2.268) |
43.8 (1.724) |
34.6 (1.362) |
19.8 (0.78) |
11.3 (0.445) |
297.2 (11.701) |
| Rainfall mm (inches) | 0.0 (0) |
0.1 (0.004) |
0.0 (0) |
1.0 (0.039) |
7.4 (0.291) |
25.0 (0.984) |
39.5 (1.555) |
57.3 (2.256) |
39.2 (1.543) |
11.9 (0.469) |
0.1 (0.004) |
0.0 (0) |
181.5 (7.146) |
| Snowfall cm (inches) | 6.7 (2.64) |
9.3 (3.66) |
12.9 (5.08) |
13.6 (5.35) |
11.5 (4.53) |
4.9 (1.93) |
0.0 (0) |
0.3 (0.12) |
4.6 (1.81) |
23.1 (9.09) |
20.9 (8.23) |
11.9 (4.69) |
119.7 (47.13) |
| Avg. precipitation days | 6.8 | 7.1 | 9 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 7.4 | 10.2 | 13.2 | 12.8 | 14.3 | 11.9 | 9.5 | 119.4 |
| Avg. rainy days | 0.0 | 0.05 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 6.2 | 10.2 | 13.2 | 10.2 | 3.8 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 47.05 |
| Avg. snowy days | 6.9 | 7.2 | 9.1 | 8.0 | 7.1 | 1.9 | 0.05 | 0.2 | 3.9 | 12.1 | 12.0 | 9.5 | 77.95 |
| Source: 1971-2000 Environment Canada[16] | |||||||||||||
Beginning on January 16, 2008, Rankin Inlet endured the longest recorded blizzard in Canada.[17] Wind speed was 74 km/h or above, with gusts to 90 km/h, and the temperature was as low as -58° C with wind chill. The blizzard lasted 7 days 5 hours.[18]
[edit] Notable people
_Thule-Site_1995-06-22.jpg)
- Current National Hockey League player Jordin Tootoo
- Tagak Curley
- Levinia Brown
- Jack Anawak
- Manitok Thompson
- Jose Kusugak
- Lorne Kusugak
- Michael Kusugak
- John Tiktak
- Hunter Tootoo
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Hamlets elect new councils
- ^ Election Results - 2008 General Election
- ^ [1]
- ^ a b c 2006 census
- ^ Elevation at airport. Canada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 15 December 2011 to 0901Z 9 February 2012
- ^ Rankin Inlet
- ^ a b Research Database
- ^ Harvest Estimates
- ^ nkin Inlet at the Atlas of Canada
- ^ "NOTRE DAME DU CAP". arcicomi.ca. http://www.arcticomi.ca/2rankin.html. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
- ^ "Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre". pulaarvik.ca. http://www.pulaarvik.ca/community/Inuit.html. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
- ^ History of the Development of Agriculture in the N.W.T.
- ^ "Landmarks". worldviewtravel.com. http://res.worldviewtravel.com/destinations/guide.rvlx?dg_id=712&dgd_id=15427. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
- ^ "Welcome to Nunavut Parks". igalugaarjuup_park.cfm. http://64.26.129.36/in/on_the_land/igalugaarjuup_park.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01-26.
- ^ Rankin Inlet art and artists
- ^ Environment Canada—Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
- ^ Environment Canada defines a blizzard as a snowstorm with sustained wind speed above 40 km/h, wind chill temperature below -26° C, and visibility below 1 km
- ^ "Home of the blizzard". up here. Oct/Nov 2008. http://uphere.ca/node/294. Retrieved 2011-09-17.
[edit] Further reading
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Rankin Inlet |
- England JI. 1998. "Rankin Inlet Birthing Project: Outcome of Primipara Deliveries". International Journal of Circumpolar Health. 57: 113-5.
- Igalaaq The Rankin Inlet Community Access Centre. Ottawa, Ont: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, 1999. ISBN 1894159306
- Jansen, William Hugh. Eskimo Economics An Aspect of Culture Change at Rankin Inlet. Mercury series. Ottawa: National Museums of Canada, 1979.
- Mallon, S. T. Inuktitut, Rankin Inlet Version. Yellowknife, N.W.T.: Dept. of Education, 1974.
- Shirley, James R., and Darlene Wight. Rankin Inlet Ceramics. Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2003. ISBN 0889152241
- Watson, Linvill. Television Among Inuit of Keewatin The Rankin Inlet Experience. Saskatoon, [Sask.]: Institute for Northern Studies, University of Saskatoon, 1977.
- Feeney, Mara. Rankin Inlet. Fiddletown: Gaby Press, 2009. ISBN 9780981931951.
