Paulatuk - The Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam marine protected area around Paulatuk was officially recognized on World Oceans Day Friday, Aug. 11.
The event, which had many representatives of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation in attendance, acted as a kickoff to the 31st Iqalukpik Jamboree.
“Congratulations to the community (of Paulatuk), Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Government of Canada and, especially, the Inuvialuit, once again demonstrating more commitment to preservation, conservation and the sustainability of the ecosystem that is so integral to the part of our culture and our society today,” said Duane Smith, chair of the IRC, during opening remarks, according to a news release.
A tribute was also made to Inuvialuit leader Nelson Green. The Anguniaqvia nigiqyuam – which in Inuvialuit means “where I hunt for food” – marine protected area is named after a favourite hunting spot of his.
“We depended on him to interpret and translate meaning of some of the wording within (the Inuvialuit Final Agreement) so that we could implement (it),” said Smith.
Cruise ship season begins
Ulukhaktok/Holman - The first of the season’s cruise ships will arrive in Ulukhaktok this week.
Between late August and early September, five cruise ships are scheduled to stop in the Northwest Territories, with four stopping in Ulukhaktok and one in Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been working with the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization to prepare each community.
The department has provided training in hospitality, pricing art and cruise ship readiness.
ITI has also invested in event infrastructure in Ulukhaktok and Tuktoyaktuk, including tents, bleachers, tables, chairs, stages, a speaker system and signage.
The Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization is working on a cruise ship strategy for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
Cruise ships coming
- August 24: Bremen ship arrives in Ulukhaktok (155 passengers)
- August 26: Crystal Serenity ship arrives in Ulukhaktok (1,000 passengers)
- September 5: Le Boreal ship arrives in Ulukhaktok (199 passengers)
- September 6: Ocean Endeavour ship arrives in Ulukhaktok (150 passengers)
- September 6: Polar Prince ship arrives in Paulatuk and on to Tuktoyaktuk September 9-10 (60 passengers)
Source: NWT Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment