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Kinngait (Cape Dorset)

Kinngait (Cape Dorset) is world-renowned for its Inuit art produced by its sculptors and drawing artists. Also known as Kinngait, meaning mountains in Inuktitut, learn about the land, culture and history of Nunavut through its stunning and thoughtful art. The iconic images expressed through printmaking, drawings, and sculptures have become world famous and were grown from the imagination of Kinngait artists. These images have made the beauty of the land and the people of Kinngait familiar globally with the many who love fine Inuit art.

Essential Kinngait experiences include:

  • Visit the  West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, studio of globally renowned artists such as Kenojoak Ashevak, Pitseolak Ashoona, Annie Pootoogook, Peter Pitseolak. See current artists at work in the studios and visit the store
  • Make the short journey to the ancient Thule, Dorset and Inuit archeological sites at nearby Mallikjuaq Territorial Park
  • Visit over 100 ancient Inuksuit at the National Historic Site, Inuksugasait or Enukso Point, on the Foxe Peninsula

History

Inuit have congregated in the area for over 3000 years, drawn by the wildlife that provided the necessities of life. The ancient Dorest people are referred to as ‘Tuniit’ or ‘Sivullirmiut’ in Inuktitut and historians believe that the Dorset Culture people were perhaps the first North Americans ever encountered by Europeans who visited Baffin Island sometime before 1000 AD. The Dorset people became extinct by 1500 AD, however mystical traces of them are still visible while hiking Mallikjuaq or Dorset Island. 

As with many other Nunavut communities, the Hudson’s Bay Company chose to build a trading post at Kinngait because of the trapping skills of the local Inuit. This post was constructed in 1913 and was followed in 1938 by the opening of a Roman Catholic Mission that was later closed in 1960.

The construction of the local Anglican mission was not by British clergy, but by local Inuit. In 1953 Inuit Anglicans constructed a church that still stands today.

The community is picturesque and will reward those who explore the nearby environment with a lifetime of Arctic memories. Nearby, Inuksugasait or Inukshuk or Enukso Point is an area of strong current and beautiful landscape of rugged and smooth areas of granite. It is an old camping ground of many Inukshuks but throughout time have been destroyed by bears and weather. The remains are there and quite a few Inukshuks are still standing since hundreds of years. Elder’s from Kinngait say it is a sacred ground where there has been a lot of activity of shamanism and other gatherings in the past. 

Arts and Culture

Renowned for its groundbreaking Inuit prints and carvings, Kinngait offers an experience rich in nature and the arts.. Kinngait is world-renown for its printmaking, drawings, and carvings. Many acclaimed artists draw inspiration from the breathtaking landscape that is dotted with caribou on the nearby hills, and marine life of seals, walruses, beluga whales and sea birds.

Founded in 1959, the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative is home to the beautiful works of Kinngait artists. Known as the most artistic community in Canada with almost a quarter of the labour force employed in the arts sector, Kinngait is the ‘Capital of Inuit Art’. 

Activities and Wildlife

Visiting Kinngait includes a trek to the nearby Mallikjuaq Island, where many forms of Arctic wildlife, including herds of caribou, pods of seals, walrus, beluga whales, and polar bears live. Local guides will show you how the Inuit have lived for centuries through hunting and fishing. With their guidance, you can experience the wealth of the sea and land.