Sanikiluaq is Nunavut’s southernmost community, located in the Belcher Islands of southeastern Hudson Bay about 150 kilometres (93 miles) off the coast of Québec. It is the only permanent settlement in this entire archipelago, which is a group of 1,500 islands spread over 3,000 square kilometres (1,158 square miles). Many of the smaller islands provide special breeding grounds for numerous species of migratory seabirds, ducks and geese. The coastal waters contain an abundance of seals, walruses and beluga whales. Expert hunting and fishing is a traditional lifestyle here, as is sea kayaking and soapstone carving. Sanikiluaq is famous for the incredible, unique handicrafts made by its women, including dolls made of fish skin and parkas made of eider ducks.
The hamlet is named after a legendary Inuk person who once lived here named Sandy Kiluaq. He was an adopted little boy who lived in hard times, but he grew up to become the best hunter and best provider in the region, a hero to his community, so they named it after him. The hamlet office is the core of certain services and includes departments for Finance, Recreation, Economic Development, Community Lands, Justice, Wellness Services and Land Planning and Administration.
The Nuiyak School serves over 200 students within the community with a 25-person staff. There is also a daycare service (The Najuqsivik Daycare). Adult education is offered by a branch of Nunavut Arctic College. The health of Sanikiluaq residents is attended to by the local clinic which employs both nurses and a health representative. Dentists, doctors and other specialists also visit the hamlet on a regular basis and there is a permanent prenatal clinic.
Information about events in the community can be found on the local radio station 94.1 FM or the local television channel. The RCMP also maintains a detachment in the town. The power needs of the community are supplied by diesel electricity. Mail is delivered and sent out three times a week. There is no local bank in the hamlet, although there is a bank machine.
1000
95% Inuit
Inuktitut, English
Longitude 79° 15’ W
Latitude 56° 32’ N
Elevation 32m
The terrain near Sanikiluaq is composed of numerous rocky cliffs that tower to 155 metres (509 feet) above sea level.