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Provisional Master Plan

Parc des Pingualuit

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Provisional Master Plan

Parc des Pingualuit

Direction de la planification et du développement des parcs québécois

August 2000

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This document was produced by:

Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec Édifice Marie-Guyart 675, boulevard René-Lévesque Est, 10e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 5V7 Phone: 1 800 561-1616 (toll free) Website: http://www. fapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Direction de la planification et du développement des parcs québécois Phone: (418) 521-3935 Fax: (418) 528-0834

Direction des communications Phone: (418) 521-3845 Fax: (418) 644-9727

Translation Anglocom inc.

Graphic Desing Matteau Parent graphisme et communication inc.

Photography Jean Boisclair Michel Damphousse Francis Groleau Raymonde Pomerleau

Government of Québec 2000 Legal Deposit Ð 3rd Quarter 2000 Bibliothèque nationale du Québec ISBN: 2-550-36458-9 Publication No.: 9017a-00-08 **plan Pingang HEL.qxd 21/9/00 10:03 AM Page I (1,1)

Acknowledgements

The production of this report would not have been possible without the participation of many contributors. I would like to extend my special thanks to the following people:

Pingualuit Working Group

Ms Vicky Gordon Mr. Willie Adams Mr. Michael Barrett Mr. Michel Damphousse Mr. Charlie Ulaku

Municipality of Kangiqsujuaq

Ms Ulaayu Arngak Ms Betsy Etidloe Mr. Charlie Arngak Mr. Papikatuk Sakiagak

Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec

Ms Marthe Laflamme Mr. Serge Alain Mr. Jean Boisclair Mr. Stéphane Cossette Mr. Gilles Harvey Mr. André Lafrenière Mr. Louis Lefebvre Mr. André Rancourt Mr. Jacques Talbot Mr. Denis Vandal

Raymonde Pomerleau Parc des Pingualuit Project Coordinator

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Table of Contents

Maps V

Foreword VII

Introduction XI Goal of the Creation of parc des Pingualuit XI Objectives of the Creation of parc des Pingualuit XII Background of the Creation of parc des Pingualuit XII Provisional Master Plan XVI Harvesting Rights of the Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement XVI

Descriptive Summary of the Study Area 1 Location 1 Main Biophysical Features 1 Climate 1 Geology 1 Topography 2 Surface Deposits and Geomorphology 2 Hydrography 2 Vegetation 2 Wildlife 7 Archeological and Historical Attractions 7 Potential 7 The “Nouveau-Québec Crater” Sector 7 The “Puvirnituq River Corridor” Sector 8 The “Plateau” Sector 8 The “Great Lakes Necklace” Subsector 11 The “Eastern Fringe Hills” Subsector 11 Constraints 11 Environmental Fragility 11 Technical Constraints 13 Boundaries 15 Proposed Boundaries 15 Human Occupation 15 Zoning Plan 19 Maximum Preservation Zone 19 Preservation Zones 19 Ambience Zone 20 Service Zone 20

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Management Guidelines 23 Managing the Natural Environment 23 Activity Management 24 Educational Activities — Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage 24 Recreational Activities in the Natural Environment 25 Delegation of the Management of Park Activities and Services 25 Development Concept 27 Visitor Reception 27 Access To and Travel Within the Park 28 Land Access 28 Winter Conditions 28 Summer Conditions 28 Maritime Access 32 Air Access 32 Accommodation 35 Huts 35 Shelters 36 Camping 36 Activities and Support Equipment 36 Educational Activities — Natural Environment 36 Recreational Areas 37 Hiking 37 Mountain Biking 37 Canoeing 37 Cross Country Skiing 38 Dogsledding 38 Hunting and Fishing 38 Other Activities 38

Conclusion 39

Bibliography 41

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Maps

Map 1: The Network of Parks and Natural Regions IX

Map 2: Ungava Plateau Natural Region (B-39) XIII

Map 3: Changes in the Limits of the Study Area 3

Map 4: Location Map: Kangiqsujuaq 5

Map 5: Potential 9

Map 6: The Boundaries 17

Map 7: Zoning Plan 21

Map 8: Development Concept 29

Map 9: Park Access Hypotheses 33

The reduced size of certain maps in this publication has no effect on the linear scale but causes some skewing of the numerical scale. If you would like to obtain an original copy of any of the maps, please contact the Direction des communications of the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec at (418) 521-3845, ext. 4439.

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Foreword

The 1990s were marked by much greater awareness of environmental issues. At the June 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, 153 countries, including Canada, signed the Convention on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Use of its components. This political gesture was a reflec- tion of the growing concern in modern society for the protection of our planet. It goes without saying that the creation of parks is an excellent means for governments to live up to their commitment.

In the mid-1970s, in an effort to protect natural areas of representative or excep- tional value for the enjoyment of existing and future generations, Québec adopted legislation governing the setup of provincial parks. Under this legislation (Map 1), a network of 19 parks has since been created. A marine park was also inaugurated in 1998. In addition, two planned parks have passed the stage of public consultation. The Convention on Biological Diversity, which Québec is responsible for applying within its borders, also shapes the government’s actions with regard to parks.

In August 1992, the Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche published its Action Plan on Parks entitled “La nature en heritage.” Parc des Pingualuit was the first Nordic park the plan called for. The park is also notable for the fact that its voca- tion is laid out in the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.

Note that responsibility for parks was turned over to the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Faune in 1994, then the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec in 1999.

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Introduction

In Québec’s Far North, at the highest point of the Ungava Peninsula, lies a fasci- nating body of water —Pingualuk Lake. The perfectly circular lake with waters as crystal clear as any in the world casts a mirror image of its stark surroundings. Its cliff faces, lake bottom, and waters are gradually revealing the secrets of their origin, believed to date back over a million years. It’s easy to understand the interest that the Nouveau-Québec Crater has sparked in the scientific community since its relatively recent “discovery.”

The crater is embedded in a rocky plateau laced with numerous long lakes featuring irregular shorelines. Aside from the meteoric phenomenon, the landscape is gently rolling with minimal vegetation that has been unjustly referred to as nonexistent. Wind and cold reign over this rocky kingdom that comes to life during a very brief summer when the days seem to stretch on forever.

The fragile, remote, and unforgiving world of parc des Pingualuit will delight visitors with its remarkable setting and primitive beauty. The creation of this park is also a tribute to all those who recognized the value of the Nouveau-Québec Crater, sensed its vulnerability, and worked to ensure its protection. This is particularly true of the Inuit community of Kangiqsujuaq, whose people realized the value of their natural heritage and acted as its stewards for the benefit of current and future generations alike.

Goal of the Creation of parc des Pingualuit

In its policy on Québec Parks, the Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche announced its intention to set up a park network to protect our natural heritage and meet the outdoor recreational needs of Quebecers (MLCP, 1982).

In the case of parc des Pingualuit, the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec proposes to confer the status of conservation park on the area, with a view to protecting an exceptional site of worldwide renown. The crater is unique for its cleanly defined shape, its relatively young age, and the purity of its water.

Moreover, the proposal aims to showcase an area representative of the natural region of the Ungava plateau (B-39), whose location is indicated on Map 2. It should be noted that this immense natural region covers some 240,000 km2, or almost the entire peninsula from which it takes its name (Baron-Lafrenière, 1988). It is a flat area dotted with hills and numerous lakes, with an average altitude of 300 m.

The plateau, made up mostly of very old rocks, is virtually devoid of vegetation, except at the very southern edge, which coincides with the end of the forest tundra. It is also notable for the presence of continuous permafrost. As for fauna, the area is home to a typically Nordic array of species, including caribou, Ungava lemming, Arctic fox, polar bear, Arctic char, and many others (MLCP, 1986).

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Parc des Pingualuit combines nordicity, immensity, and rugged nature, all qualities we associate with Ungava. If it weren’t for its distinctly continental location, it would also be representative of the coastal areas. In fact, the latter will be the focus of other Nordic park projects the Government of Québec intends to develop in the medium term and for which it has set aside land.

Objectives of the Creation of the parc des Pingualuit

With the creation of this first Nordic park, the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec is aiming first and foremost to protect an exceptional geological phenomenon. It is also seeking to facilitate the discovery and appreciation of this environment by users from Nunavik and elsewhere. Lastly, the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec wishes to affirm its intention to associate the Inuit community with the protection, management, and promotion of the park, in accordance with the concerns laid out in Complementary Agreement No. 6 to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA).

Background of the Creation of parc des Pingualuit1

The proposed park’s name was originally to have been Parc du Cratère-du- Nouveau-Québec and the project was outlined in appendix 6 of Complementary Agreement No. 6 to the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement. In the appendix, at the request of the Inuit, the Government of Québec agreed to create a park within the established boundaries by November 1, 1978, a deadline it was unable to meet.

At about the same time, the Government of Québec adopted the Parks Act, which led the Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche to draw up a policy on parks (1982), to review the boundaries and roles of existing parks (1978-81), and to determine which of the recreational lands under its jurisdiction it intended to inte- grate into the Québec Parks network (1982-86). The government also laid out the methodology and criteria that would enable it to select sites to fulfill its long-term actions (1982). This planning exercise created a solid foundation on which to build the network.

The proposed park aimed at protecting the Nouveau-Québec Crater was part of an initial group of areas north of the 49th parallel that were set aside for use as parks and henceforth protected against exploration and mining under order-in-council #91-192 of the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources (1991).

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In its 1992 Action Plan on Parks, the Ministère du Loisir, de la Chasse et de la Pêche once again took up the idea of creating four parks, including Parc du Cratère- du-Nouveau-Québec in the province’s Far North. The Department made it clear that it intended to first consult the communities concerned and ensure that its plans were in compliance with the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.

Thus, talks began with the various committees formed under the Agreement. The Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Joint Committee (HFTJC) was in favor of Nordic parks insofar as they complied with JBNQA provisions pertaining to traditional subsistence activities. Discussions were also held with the Kativik Environmental Advisory Committee (KEAC) and the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission (KEQC).

The Kativik Regional Government was closely involved in developing the project. At its request and given the agreement under the JBNQA, the Parc du Cratère-du- Nouveau-Québec project was given top priority among proposed developments. To make talks official, the Pingualuit Working Group was set up in early 1996. It was made up of representatives from various interest groups including the Makivik Corporation, the Kativik Regional Government, the Nordic community of Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik Tourism, and Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec.

One of the working group’s first moves was to propose an Inuktitut name for the park. In fall 1998, the Commission de toponymie du Québec approved the proposal and the project was henceforth known as parc des Pingualuit. Together with other key players, the working group responsible for planning the Québec Parks network carried out a standard inventory of resources. Throughout the process, local orga- nizations were kept up-to-date on developments by the Pingualuit Working Group and at regular meetings. The plans being submitted for public consultation today have therefore been developed in close cooperation with the Inuit community and benefited from its wealth of experience.

All proposed parks on the lands covered by the Agreement must undergo environ- mental and social impact studies. Thus, parallel to the development of the provisional master plan, the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec conducted an environmental and social impact study in compliance with the guidelines provided by the KEQC. The study’s conclusions will be combined with the results of the public consultations required by the Parks Act (R.S.Q., Chapter P-9. Sections 2 and 4) and submitted at the end of the process to the KEQC.

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Provisional Master Plan

The Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec provisional master plan covers all aspects of the park’s vocation, boundaries, zoning, and development concept.

The approach taken in producing the proposal’s supporting literature is standard procedure in land use development projects. To start with, the planning team collected scientific data on the natural, archeological, and historical resources in the area being studied. The local context was also examined in terms of accessibility, services, conservation, economic development, and tourism objectives to ensure that the proposed park would fit with its environment. A description of the land use and tenure rounded out the data. This information was gathered in an accompanying document (parc des Pingualuit, Status Report) that readers can refer to for more detailed information.

The data analysis and subsequent summary separated the more fragile sectors from those with more promotional potential. This made it possible to establish an optimal perimeter for the park to fulfill its role. The zoning plan and promotional concept were then developed, along with main guidelines for natural resource management and the orientations for the educational program and recreational activities.

This provisional master plan will be adjusted to reflect comments and concerns voiced at the public consultations. The park will be created once it receives approval from the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission and following the adoption of an order-in-council by Cabinet. The final version of the management plan will be used as a guideline for management actions so that the conservation of the parc des Pingualuit natural and cultural heritage remains a constant priority.

Harvesting Rights of the Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement

Since parc des Pingualuit is the first park to be created on lands covered by the Agreement, it is important to clarify the position of the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec with regard to traditional activities. Section 7(a) of the Parks Act stipulates that “Notwithstanding any provision of law, hunting or trapping of every kind is prohibited in a park.” All the parks in the existing network in southern Québec comply with this legal requirement. Visitors to parc des Pingualuit who are not beneficiaries of the nordic agreements will be subject to the same rulings. However, in compliance with Chapter 24 of the JBNQA, beneficiaries will retain harvesting rights within park boundaries.

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With regard to the coexistence of observation and traditional activities, the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec intends to propose to the Inuit a regular discussion mechanism aimed at striking a balance between the various uses of the site.

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Descriptive Summary of the Study Area

Location Winds are mainly westerly and southwesterly and blow at a relatively high yearly average of 20 km/h. Daylight The territory covers approximately 1,500 square is extremely variable, ranging from 20 hours at the kilometers on the Ungava plateau. The borders — summer solstice to a little over 5 hours at the winter originally established under the James Bay and solstice (Roche, 1992). During the summer, cloud and Northern Québec Agreement — were expanded with fog obscure the sun 60% of the time, making the the support and input of the neighboring Kangiqsujuaq region one of the least sunny in Québec. Lakes start community and the study area now encompass all freezing over in early November, and rivers a few parts of the drainage basins, including the intrinsic weeks later. The ice on the rivers disappears in late qualities of the Puvirnituq River Canyon on its northern June and on lakes, early July.

limit. The territory is demarcated by latitudes 61º06’ 2 and 61º28’ North and longitudes 73º13’ and 74º18’ Geology West. Map 3 shows the changes to the borders. Most of the territory belongs to the Superior tectonic province, which is composed of highly eroded, acid, The Nouveau-Québec Crater at the heart of the terri- granodiorite rock over two billion years old (Archean). tory is the reference point for the distances. As the bird To the north near the Puvirnituq River, the tectonic flies, it is located and some 100 km west of province comes into contact with the Cape Smith belt Kangiqsujuaq, the nearest village, which in turn is 430 km that crosses Ungava from east to west. This Proterozoic northwest of Kuujjuaq (Map 4) and some 1,800 km formation is more recent (250 to 500 million years) and northeast of Montreal. is marked by a series of folds parallel to the river. It is mainly composed of basic metasedimentary rock. The Main Biophysical Features gabbro sills, which are more resistant to erosion, are particularly evident along the river where they form Climate steep slopes. An overthrust fault south of Puvirnituq River marks the contact zone between the Cape Smith The region surrounding the Nouveau-Québec Crater, belt and the Superior tectonic province. The Cape with its northern tundra climate (Hufty in Daigneault, Smith belt has regional economic potential because of R.A., 1997), records the severest weather conditions in its rich mineral indicators. Québec. The average annual temperature is approximately -10¼C. The average monthly temperature The crater resulted from a meteor hit some 1.4 million in January and February, the coldest months, is -28¼C, years ago, making it one of the youngest in the world. while in July, the warmest month, the average is 5.6¼C. It is also one of the smallest (3.4 km diameter) and The frost-free period is rather variable, but lasts 20 best-preserved (Bouchard, 1989). For many years, the days on average (OPDQ, 1983). Total precipitation levels scientific community was divided as to whether it was are low, averaging 300-400 mm per year. While snow of volcanic or meteoric origins until the discovery of accounts for 50% of annual precipitation, there is never impactite fragments around the crater confirmed the more than one meter on the ground. July and August second hypothesis. are the only months with virtually no precipitation in the form of snow.

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Topography Today, the territory is mainly sculpted by the freeze/thaw cycle: gelifraction, ostioles, polygons, The territory is relatively flat, averaging 450 m to 550 m solifluction lobes, and ice wedges are very common. In in altitude, making it one of the highest areas in some areas, the permafrost is up to 500 m deep and Ungava. The rocky belt around the crater is different affects drainage, which is limited to a shallow active from the surrounding landscape in that it is on average layer a little over one meter thick on the surface that 100 m higher, with a 657 m summit. thaws each year. The Puvirnituq River Valley, some 100 m lower, is Hydrography4 framed by a magnificent steep-walled canyon where The study area is located along the divide separating the water surges through a double 90¼ elbow. The the Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay drainage basins. The canyon extends into a glacial valley that gradually northern section is part of the Puvirnituq River becomes less pronounced towards the downstream drainage basin, which flows into Hudson’s Bay 257 km end. A secondary canyon some 5 km long has also to the west. The southern section is part of a sub-basin been carved out at the outlet of Lamarche Lake. of the Arnaud River, and is drained to the east by the Slopes are gentle with the exception of the crater and Vachon River, which empties into Ungava Bay after canyon. This make access to the lake in the crater and traveling about the same distance. the river in the canyon difficult. At 29 km2, Rouxel Lake is the largest in the territory. Surface Deposits and Geomorphology 3 However, seven other lakes weigh in at over 2 km2. Generally speaking, the lakes are fairly shallow, with Glaciers have left their mark on the study area. A the exception of Pingualuk Lake in the crater, which is veneer of till covers almost the entire surface and is 267 m deep, reflecting the colossal force generated by over one meter deep over roughly one-half the territory. the meteor hit. Pingualuk Lake is a closed basin; it is The till, frequently intermingled with blocks of rock and only fed by precipitation and has no obvious drainage boulders, is punctuated here and there with more outlet. recent formations created during glaciolacustrine and

glacioaqueous phases. Researchers believe that the Northern Québec is known for the quality of its lakes crater bottom has been protected from glacial erosion, and rivers, and Pingualuk Lake is no exception. Its leaving a thick layer of sediments capable of providing water ranks among the best in the world in terms of important snapshots of past events (Bouchard, 1989). purity and limpidity (Bouchard, 1989). With the retreat of the glaciers, an enormous lake Vegetation covered almost 90% of the territory some 7000 to The study area is in the tundra zone above the tree line 8000 years ago. The ancient shorelines so evident on (Gauthier and Dignard, 2000). The amount of the inside walls of the crater are eloquent testimony to vegetation in such environments is often underestimated. the fluctuations in the water levels of Pingualuk Lake Despite appearances, the area is covered with plants, over the millennia. mainly lichens that form a thin layer over almost all the rock faces. In addition to lichens, there are sporadic communities of moss and herbaceous plants. A few species of woody shrubs grow close to the ground, sheltered by the rocks. No trees, not even stunted ones, grow in this territory.

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The flora is of obvious arctic origin and is composed of lents in Western societies. The main concentration of 122 species of vascular plants, 109 species of lichens, ancient sites is located southeast of the crater. They and 68 species of moss, sphagnum, and liverwort. are spread along the summit of a long esker and are Despite the relatively sparse vegetation compared to composed of stone circles demarcating camping more southern climes, the territory contains a number areas. of remarkable specimens, including six newly discovered species in the Québec — Labrador peninsula. The Potential Puvirnituq River corridor is especially interesting in terms of flora due to the basic bedrock. This area contains a The territory is blessed with great potential in terms of greater diversity of plants — including a number of rare scope, quality, representativeness, and exceptional species-than the plateau. character. The geological, geomorphological, and water resources have the most potential. In certain Wildlife sectors and periods of the year, plant life, wildlife, and Few wildlife studies or surveys have been conducted in archeological sites add to the interest. The natural the territory under study due to its remoteness. What is scenic beauty of certain sectors has also been taken known about the Ungava peninsula leads us to believe into consideration in the analysis. that, like the plant life, the wildlife population is very simple. This is accentuated by the distance from the With these parameters in mind, the territory has been ocean, which reduces the number of habitats. The divided into three distinct physiographic sectors. While territory under study may be home to some 25 bird the “Plateau” sector is very typical of the Ungava species and possibly 10 animal species. plateau, the “Nouveau-Québec Crater” and the “Puvirnituq River Corridor” sectors possess exclu- In northern environments, lack of diversity is often sive attractions that set them apart from the rest of the compensated by abundance. The caribou in this terri- territory. tory are not only an excellent example of this but are also a top attraction. The breeding range of the Rivière Despite its great homogeneity in terms of major aux Feuilles herd, in the northern extremity of Ungava, constituents, the plateau can be subdivided into two has covered the entire study area since 1993. This subsectors on the basis of visual aspects, which is herd, which was estimated at 260,000 heads in 1991, scarcely astonishing given the large areas involved. is the second largest in Québec (MEF, 1999) and is The two subsectors have been called the “Great thought to be still growing. It is exceeded in size only Lakes Necklace” and the “Eastern Fringe Hills.” by the Georges River herd, the largest in the world. The sectors and subsectors can be considered as separate environmental units. Map 5 shows the sectors Arctic char and lake trout are the most common fish and subsectors and also the various categories of species, but the Pingualuk Lake arctic char population potential resources. It also highlights the sectors with is a particular curiosity. the most interest for visitors. Archeological and Historical Attractions5 The “Nouveau-Québec Crater” Sector

Although very localized and lacking the richness and The Nouveau-Québec Crater Sector is at the very diversity of coastal sites, the vestiges of past human heart of the proposed park project. It contains all the activity in the study area are interesting all the same features that make this park so exceptional and is the because they illustrate the close relationship the Inuit very reason for its creation. Without going over the have with their natural surroundings. This relationship physical features and the origins of the crater again, remains just as vital today and has very few equiva- which have been abundantly described above, it

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should be pointed out that the crest of the crater, which This sector is easy to distinguish from the plateau, rises some 100 meters above the surrounding plateau, notably because of the bedrock. Folds, thrust faults, is the highest point in the study area (657 m). It is the parallel rocky ridges, differential erosion, patterned most visible structure on the horizon and is a perfect drainage systems, canyons, abundant plant life including reference point. The summit provides a unique a number of very rare species, as well as potential panoramic view of a perfectly circular lake bordered by falcon nesting habitats are all directly or indirectly tied very steep walls that form a rocky enclosure over 100 m to the physical properties of the Cape Smith rock high. The color of the water changes with the light, formation. reflecting the limpidity and depth of the lake. The crest is also the perfect place to discover the immense rocky The Puvirnituq River itself is a rich source of potential plateau with the distant lakes and hills that surrounds for the sector with its stretches of whitewater that con- the crater. trast so sharply with the slow flowing rivers elsewhere in the territory. Like the crater, the river is an important The crater floor provides a totally different perspective visual reference point in this vast, uniform tundra envi- and the lake takes on a whole new dimension. The ronment. The downstream section with its canyon can constantly blowing winds can generate fairly large only be observed from the edge of the plateau some waves that break noisily on the rock-strewn shoreline. one hundred meters up. The river is only accessible at The crater walls jealously protect this unique lake, only a few points where small waterfalls have cut paths providing access via a single route where the slope is down the sheer rock face. The river flats are covered in a little less steep. The crater has always been an vegetation, which is rather unusual for this latitude and important reference point for humans as ancient tales arid environment. A number of rare, irreplaceable (Vézinet, 1985) and nearby vestiges of human occu- plants grow in the cracks and on the surfaces of the pation testify. accumulated rock debris. The river also seems to be a wildlife highway. Numerous caribou trails can be seen The crater’s zone of influence extends beyond its walls along the bank and at the bottom of the glacier valley, and includes a range of geological, geomorphologic, and it is fairly common to run into Canada Geese as and botanical resources that add to its attraction but you go around a bend in the river. If you approach too are unrelated to its meteoric origins. Rock outcrops, closely, they fly ponderously away, down the river. eskers, deltas, meltwater channels, grooves, glacial striations, and a number of other geomorphologic fea- With its broad array of attractions, the Puvirnituq River tures can be seen within a relatively limited area. There Canyon Sector can be placed second in terms of areas is no doubt that the Nouveau-Québec Crater Sector of interest in the park. has the most potential of the entire park for attracting visitors. The “Plateau” Sector The plateau includes all the natural features needed The “Puvirnituq River Corridor” Sector for the park to fulfil its role of being representative of The Puvirnituq River Corridor Sector is located in the Northern Québec. This vast sector is relatively flat, most northerly part of the territory.The thirty-kilometer- which is why it is called a plateau. Its main features are long ribbon of land bordering its namesake river is a mainly related to geomorphologic and hydrological little less than five kilometers wide and includes the phenomena. An immense undulating plain of till, very spectacular Puvirnituq River and Lamarche Lake long eskers interspersed with abandoned channels, canyons. fields of boulders and drumlins, roche moutonnée, rock outcrops, kames, and perched beaches inter- spersed with a succession of shore and delta ridges all combine to heighten the interest of this rock-strewn

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territory. All these formations tell the tale of the The “Eastern Fringe Hills” Subsector transformations the area has undergone over past A series of small hills stretch eastward along the eastern millennia. Polygons, gelifluction ripples, and ostioles boundary of the territory. The hills, at 560 meters of are contemporary frost-related phenomena character- altitude, are barely 50 meters high. They bear no istic of this environment. resemblance to the elongated hills along the banks of There are also an almost infinite number of lakes large the Puvirnituq River. This subsector is a transition zone and small on the plateau, all typically shallow with between Archean and Proterozoic rocks, which every- rocky shores and irregular shapes that follow the where else has resulted in a better-defined landscape. network of fractures in the bedrock. It contains all the geomorphic formations described for the “Plateau” Sector, but also has a number of unique The plant life is abundant, although not very apparent, areas with drumlins and moraine trains behind boul- because it is composed mainly of lichens that grow ders. The alternating composition of the rock outcrops directly on the rocks with no need for soil. Sparse shows the transition between Cape Smith and the populations of moss and small plants can be found in Superior tectonic province. Of special interest is the areas with a little more moisture. double thrust fault demarcating an ironstone hill that has a community of rare plants on its summit. The high As for wildlife, caribou can be found throughout the botanical potential applies to the entire contact zone. plateau sector. Practically all typical tundra bird Vestiges of an ancient campsite with a number of species like the snowy owl, snowbunting, and rock stone circles demarcating areas for tents and camp- ptarmigan, to name just a few, should also be present. fires can be found very near the ironstone hill. According to the traditional knowledge of village elders, there are large numbers of Arctic fox, and the Constraints rivers and lakes are home to abundant fish populations (Makivik Corporation, 2000). There are two main constraints on the development of the territory. The first is the environmental fragility of The “Great Lakes Necklace” Subsector certain resources. The second is the technical difficulty This subdivision of the “Plateau” Sector is based on in building park equipment and infrastructures. the U-shaped arrangement around the crater of the biggest lakes in the territory, creating a sort of watery Environmental Fragility necklace from west to east. The lakes are quite The tundra is a fragile environment that requires a very impressive in size and flow one into another via a careful, thoughtful development approach. The lakes series of short, rocky watercourses. This chain of and rivers are especially vulnerable to environmental “water pearls” includes Saint-Germain Lake, despite changes, and Pingualuk Lake particularly so. Included its belonging to the Puvirnituq River drainage basin. in this category of restrictions are the impactites, the Since the divide between the two drainage basins is rare plant and wildlife habitats, the easily eroded soil, not visible in this area, to the naked eye at least, Saint- and the vestiges of human occupation. Germain Lake has been included in “Great Lakes Necklace” Subsector. More precisely, the water bodies in the territory are very limpid and must remain so. This concern will be A number of unique geological, archeological, and part of the new park’s management plan, which will botanical attractions, especially around Vergons and include a number of preventive measures. Because of Saint-Germain lakes, enhance the potential of this its exceptional nature, Pingualuk Lake will require subsector. special attention. The very long water renewal rate, estimated at 330 years, is highly indicative of the

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difficulty such an environment would have in recovering research on them is completed they may be used for from an accident. Measures, which will be outlined in educational purposes. No development leading to high the zoning plan, must be taken to prevent sediment visitor traffic near known archeological sites will be deposition or waste from human activities from affecting allowed. This concern with conservation will also be this isolated drainage basin. reflected in the zoning plan. In addition, the community of Kangiqsujuaq will be consulted to ensure that no The impactites, which were produced by the meteor burial sites are desecrated. impact, can be found all around the crater. While as resistant as any other rock, they are very rare and are The wildlife habitats are an important feature of the the raw materials for the scientific study of the crater. park and require a special approach. The caribou calving They are very tiny and are usually only found by area covers the entire study area but is only used for experts. However, if they are discovered accidentally six weeks from mid-May to the end of June. In this they must not be taken as vacation souvenirs. case, management measures seem to be the best way Specimens remain park property and may be used for to proceed rather than a strict zoning plan covering the educational purposes. Impactites may also be loaned entire year. It should be noted that the park will only to universities and scientific institutes for research pur- open in early July because of the climate and for tech- poses. Once the research is completed, they must be nical reasons related to soil fragility that will be returned to the park. explained below. This will limit contact between visitors and the herd to a critical two-week period. Visitors will On the plateau, areas with rare plant populations are be kept to well-defined trails in authorized sectors and very circumscribed and trails will be laid out to avoid their movements will be strictly monitored. Visitors will them. Visitors, like park personnel, will be made aware be invited to observe this unique spectacle, but will of the need to protect these rare plants and will be also be made aware of the absolute necessity not to shown how to identify them. Park authorities will be disturb the animals. Moreover, during the calving notified of new rare plant sites, who will act to include season, there will be no low-level flights by park them in the park activity and resource management personnel except for safety reasons or herd surveys. plan. The Puvirnituq River Canyon Sector, because of An annual review of these activities will be conducted its high botanical potential, requires special attention in and, as needed, corrective measures taken. the form of a zoning plan. A botanical survey will be carried out prior to building the local infrastructures As for fish populations, parks it should be noted, are required for visitor safety. not intended for extensive sport fishing or harvesting. However, it has to be recognized that the simple fact of The vestiges of human occupation require the same making this isolated territory more accessible to a type of treatment as the rare plant sites. Moving and greater number of people, including both visitors and turning over stones can destroy vital archeological local inhabitants, will unavoidably increase the pressure information and, consequently, must be avoided. on the bodies of water located there. To avoid any These sites have an emotional charge that is sure to negative impact on fish populations, fishing will only be spark the imagination of visitors. They are tangible ties allowed for on-site consumption. In winter, visitors will to a past nomadic lifestyle. It is important that visitors be able to ice-fish with the Inuit, whose catches are have access to at least one of the sites or be able to used to meet the needs of the local community. A observe them from a distance. No changes to the sites program to monitor lake and river use will be included or removal of artifacts will be permitted, except during in a territory management plan. Moreover, we can archeological digs authorized by park authorities and already say that fishing will be forbidden in Pingualuk the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications. Lake given that the Arctic char population could easily Archeological finds will remain park property and once be disrupted.

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In addition to the existing attraction of the rare plants, Large areas of the territory are covered by fields of the zoning plan will also be based on the falcon breed- boulders that restrict access, even by hikers. The access ing potential of the Puvirnituq River canyon walls. routes will go around these natural obstacles so as to reduce the need for heavy machinery. A special Technical Constraints engineering study will be undertaken to map out the As far as parc des Pingualuit is concerned, technical best routes, minimizing the environmental impact and constraints consist of the incline of certain slopes, the construction costs. type of rock deposits, the presence of permafrost and Mention should also be made here of the particularly wetlands, and the climate. severe weather conditions around the crater and on Areas where the slopes are greater than 15% are not the plateau. Cold temperatures, wind, and fog are suitable for motorized vehicles access. Walking trails common, not to mention the fact that the weather is could be an alternative, although the steep slopes are extremely changeable and often different from the covered with unstable rock and boulders that could coast. People from the south generally have no expe- result in severe injuries to the unwary. Foot traffic could rience with such conditions. Consequently, special cause erosion problems on steeper slopes, a particu- care will be given to visitor safety, including assigning lar concern on the canyon and crater walls. A detailed skilled Inuit guides to groups. analysis of access points has been conducted for In sum, the “Nouveau-Québec Crater” and “Puvirnituq Pingualuk Lake and the Puvirnituq River Valley bottom. River Corridor” sectors followed by the “Great Lakes Safe access routes will be clearly signed. Necklace” subsector have the most potential. However, Tundra permafrost requires special building techniques the territory presents many development constraints to avoid surface thaw and localized but irreversible both in terms of environmental fragility and technical damage. This in turn determines the choice of infra- difficulties. While the crater and river have numerous structures and building sites. Generally speaking, fragile features, the plateau also has a number of sandy and rocky areas are better than till-covered environmental constraints, albeit more localized in ground. nature. Technical constraints of a general nature affect the entire territory. Wetlands at this latitude are different from those further south. In fact, apart from the peat bogs at the The zoning plan, the management measures, and the heads of small lakes, wetlands are rather ephemeral. development concept must be carefully drawn up to Only a thin surface layer of the permafrost thaws during produce a well-integrated whole that will not result the spring, transforming the tundra into a gigantic imperil the outstanding attributes of the future parc wetland that is easily damaged by machinery and des Pingualuit. constant foot traffic. After June, the surface dries out and is more resistant. The park will be developed so as to protect the peat bogs and very humid areas, which are always vulnerable, and the park will only open in July once the soil is dry. In addition, construction will take northern drainage conditions into account.

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Boundaries

Proposed Boundaries This 150-meter-wide strip of land will be bounded out- side the park by a 850-meter-wide buffer zone where The proposed parc des Pingualuit covers 1,126.5 km2 mining exploration may be authorized over the next (Map 6) and, of course, includes the unique Nouveau- 25 years. The buffer zone will then be incorporated into Québec Crater as well as most other formations parc des Pingualuit, pushing the park boundary back characteristic of the natural region of the Ungava one kilometer from the riverbank, unless an economically Plateau (B-39). The only geographical feature missing viable mineral deposit is discovered in the meantime. It is a coastline, which will be included in other northern has been agreed, in conjunction with the Ministère des parks currently under study. Parc des Pingualuit covers Ressources naturelles du Québec, to enforce stricter scarcely 0.5% of the total area of the Ungava Plateau, standards when issuing mining permits in this zone in which provides an idea of the immensity of this natural order to protect the river. region, itself an overall snapshot of Nunavik since it covers almost half this northern territory. As has been mentioned on many occasions, the Puvirnituq River Corridor is very special and adds The boundaries of the proposed park are mainly based considerable value to the study area in terms of repre- on the concept of protecting the headwaters of the sentativeness, diversity, rarity, and fragility, not to drainage basins. However, the eastern boundary mention its exceptional natural beauty. Just as for the departs from this principle by extending to the category entire Cape Smith belt, the mineral potential of this II lands of the community of Kangiqsujuaq and following portion of the proposed park has attracted mining the eastern bank of the Vachon River, an easy-to-identify exploration activities over the last 50 years. Because of natural reference. this, and to avoid braking regional economic devel- opment, the northern boundary of the proposed park To the south of Vergons Lake, the boundary has been will be limited to the previously described strip of land. drawn to include an imposing, recently discovered natural inuksuk as requested by the representatives of Human Occupation Kangiqsujuaq. The boundary then moves north, taking in the Rouxel and Lamarche lakes drainage basins. Two Inuit camps, one at Saint-Germain Lake and the other at Vergons Lake, lie within the boundaries of the A slender 250 meter band along the northern bank of future park. In accordance with the James Bay and the river, just in front of the Lamarche Lake outlet, also Northern Quebec Agreement, land ownership rights includes the rocky face. The boundary then stretches will be respected. The future park also includes two north, encompassing a stream just to the east in order tiny mining concessions covering less than one square to preserve the entire ridge. North of Puvirnituq River, kilometer. One of these concessions extends to the the band of land broadens to between 750 meters and south bank of Puvirnituq River and, if nothing is done, one kilometer in width as it follows the bends in the will create a break in the natural park boundaries. river. Rare plant habitats, potential falcon nesting sites, Negotiations will therefore be undertaken to change and a visually apparent basin will thus be preserved. In the boundaries of these mining concessions in favor of the upstream portion of the canyon, the boundary will the proposed park. come within 150 meters of the north bank of the river because of the lower potential for finding rare plant habitats there than in the canyon. The view is interesting but less so than in the downstream portion of the river.

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Zoning Plan

Zoning plans provide legal guidelines for determining also takes into consideration the fact that the sectors park protection and development targets, and serve as furthest from the village are not used or are only a framework for keeping future changes in line with the infrequently used by the local inhabitants, making it decisions reached at public hearings. possible to demarcate areas that will be left to evolve naturally with no human intervention. Québec has four categories of conservation park zones: maximum preservation, preservation, ambience, Given the vastness of parc des Pingualuit, its distance and services. Each category is defined by a degree of from large urban centers, the relatively difficult access, protection and potential uses. Factors such as extreme and the small number of visitors expected each year fragility, rarity, uniqueness, and representativeness are compared to parks in southern Québec, the use of used to define maximum preservation and preserva- maximum preservation, preservation, and ambience tion zones. There are absolutely no infrastructures zones seemed the most appropriate approach. allowed in maximum preservation zones, and very few However, a tiny service zone has been identified that in preservation zones. Ambience zones are intended could be used to meet future park management needs for the discovery and exploration of the natural environ- over the long term if the number of visitors exceeds ment. These are generally areas of exceptional scien- expectations (Map 7). tific interest and natural beauty, but are generally less fragile. This category allows the creation of infrastruc- Maximum Preservation Zone tures, notably for motorized vehicle access and out- door activities. It should be noted that park infrastruc- A maximum preservation zone covering the 6.4 square tures always seek to minimize environmental impact. kilometers (0.6% of the total park area) of Pingualuk Service zones are determined on the basis of their Lake will help maintain the internationally renowned capacity to receive larger numbers of visitors and to quality of the water. No activities or fishing of any sort support more complex infrastructures. They reflect the will be allowed on or in the lake. Scientific studies may need to accommodate visitors on both a daily and be authorized on presentation of a detailed description longer-stay basis. of the research project demonstrating that the techniques to be used comply with the conservation objectives. Parc des Pingualuit is a special case since it is part of the area covered by the northern agreements. It is important to specify that zoning plan directives and Preservation Zones regulations will not interfere with traditional activities There are three preservation zones covering 463.6 square covered by these agreements. However, during kilometers, or a substantial 41.1 % of the total park discussions with the Pingualuit working group, the Inuit area. They protect representative samples of natural were very aware of and open to the conservation environments, including some fairly fragile areas. principles on which the park will be based, especially Visitors will only be able to hike in and will be directed as concerns the absolute necessity to protect the away from the most fragile zones. Wilderness camping Nouveau-Québec Crater and lake. We can thus count will be permitted on the long hiking trails, but must on the cooperation of the Inuit population of meet an environmental code of ethics that will be Kangiqsujuaq in the attainment of zoning plan objectives. described in the park management plan. Insofar as possible, the proposal takes into account the information provided to us on the traditional uses of this area (Makivik Corporation, 2000). As such, visitors will not be concentrated in sectors used for hunting, fishing, and trapping in order to respect the need not to disturb the traditional users of the land. The proposal

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One 18.3 square-kilometer preservation zone encircles The third preservation zone begins at the Eastern Pingaluk Lake and encompasses the walls of the Fringe Hills on the shores of Saint-Germain Lake. It is Nouveau-Québec Crater. The outer boundary roughly intended to protect rare plant sites, an area of the corresponds to the 550 meter altitude mark, except in proposed park with great botanical potential, a culturally the north where a small outshoot includes the impactite and archeologically important site, as well as a vast channel and a rare plant site. A larger protrusion to array of small geomorphological formations. This zone the east encompasses a chain of archeologically (18.6 square kilometers) is relatively small because it important sites along the summit of a long esker. It also does not include the area around Saint-Germain Lake includes a rare plant population. This preservation used by local inhabitants year round. zone will thus prevent access to the crater lake by motorized vehicles, avoiding contamination of the Ambience Zone drainage basin by petroleum products and other residues. It will also avoid sediment erosion by rain- The ambience zone takes in practically all the remaining water caused by destabilization of the ridge due to land area and covers 655.7 square kilometers, or heavy traffic. It will, however, be possible to get close 58.2 % of the park. Unlike the preservation zones, to, although not enter, the crater in the winter. For safety motorized vehicles will be allowed as well as infra- reasons, visitors will be able to leave their snowmo- structures such as huts. Fishing will be permitted in biles near the access pass so that they do not have to water bodies, which is why a slender finger in the north walk too far from their vehicles to see the crater. of the park along the Puvirnituq River valley has been included in this zone. Fishing for immediate consump- A second, very large sector (426.6 square kilometers) tion in this sector seemed an essential part of the plan is meant to protect representative and exceptional for allowing multi-day hiking trips. Moreover, the Inuit features of the plateau, the Great Lakes Necklace, and occasionally use this corridor in the winter to get to the Puvirnituq River corridor. It begins south of Puvirnituq Village. Vergons Lake and takes in two fragile sites, one of archeological and the other of botanical interest. It stretches north to protect the entire Rouxel Lake Service Zone drainage basin, the largest in the park, as well as the A small service zone south of Laflamme Lake covers Perron and Lamarche lakes drainage basin. North of less than 0.8 square kilometers, or barely 0.1% of the Lamarche Lake, the boundary follows that of the park total park. It has been set aside as a potential area for and then curves to the east, terminating at the far end developing a more complex infrastructure. This zone of the Puvirnituq River canyon not far from Ours Blanc encompasses a proglacial delta, which has been used Lake. Because of its size, this zone probably contains in the past by researchers and prospectors for camp- samples of every major feature of the park from the sites, traces of which are still visible. The service zone plateau to the Puvirnituq corridor. It also includes some will be established mainly to meet long-term park fragile, yet spectacular features, notably those related management needs, notably for visitor safety and park to the canyon walls. Here again, access will be by foot. monitoring. This sector will be ideal if it becomes Hiking areas will be set out to avoid the most fragile necessary to build accommodations for park wardens, environments, which are almost inaccessible in any storage facilities, or a weather station. event.

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Management Guidelines

This section outlines the management issues facing To achieve these objectives, the following management parc des Pingualuit and the guidelines the Société de guidelines have been established: la faune et des parcs du Québec intends to follow to meet its objectives. It is worth reiterating that the ¥ Promote enhanced understanding of the ecosystems conservation of this remarkable area requires a set of and phenomena that give the park its exceptional measures to maintain its biological diversity, ecological appeal and representativeness, notably by supporting integrity, and cultural values. This approach does not research in these fields exclude certain activities, since humans are part of the ecosystem. However, park management and visitor ¥ Take a precautionary approach to all actions by activities will be approached from a sustainable devel- considering the environment’s carrying capacity opment perspective to protect the natural and cultural Take heed of incidents inside or outside the park heritage of parc des Pingualuit for current and future ¥ that threaten or could threaten the park’s ecosystems generations. and cultural resources

Managing ¥ Integrate local considerations into park conservation the Natural Environment actions, notably with regard to the conservation plan and research work Despite the remoteness of the area, numerous studies to date have provided a relatively in-depth knowledge ¥ Respect the Inuits’ right to engage in traditional of the park’s ecosystems. This means that by taking a activities, as defined by the JBNQA precautionary approach from the very beginning, it will Incorporate the traditional know-how of the people be possible to effectively manage the area, even ¥ of Kangiqsujuaq into resource conservation and though traditional management tools used in the south activity and service management are not always suitable for the Nordic environment. Nevertheless, it will be essential to acquire a deeper ¥ Ensure that research work does not disturb traditional understanding of these ecosystems over time in order Inuit activities to manage them properly. Thus, the ecosystem management plan that will be developed following the ¥ Give priority to research with the backing of local park’s creation will propose concrete measures to communities and ensure that it integrates traditional maintain the ecological integrity of the area. As visitor knowledge traffic increases with improved means of access, guidelines will be reviewed as necessary. ¥ Participate in local activities aimed at preparing for environmental emergencies The overall management objectives are as follows:

¥ Protect the integrity of the park’s ecosystems and cultural resources

¥ Promote an integrated environment management framework at the local level

¥ Encourage community involvement in the protection of the park’s ecosystems, ecological processes, and cultural resources

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Activity Management and training of Inuit personnel. That way, the community will benefit from spin-offs generated by the activities As with all Québec parks, discovering and enjoying and visitors will benefit from the authenticity of the parc des Pingualuit will depend on recreational and activities. educational activities. While vacationing in the park, visitors will naturally want to take part in outdoor physical The type of activities chosen will reflect the fragility activities. Educational activities focusing on the area’s of the natural environment, the long distances to be natural and cultural heritage will be an excellent way to covered, travel problems, the relatively low number of facilitate this and create enriching opportunities for visitors, and the special needs of those who do come. discovery, by informing visitors about the surrounding These ecotourists will have high expectations, both in scenery and sites. terms of knowledge acquisition and the authenticity of their cultural experience. Encouraging contact between This two-fold recreational/educational approach is the visitors and the community of Kangiqsujuaq will there- best formula for the discovery of parc des Pingualuit fore be of prime importance. natural and cultural heritage. Activities will focus on the park’s remarkable natural environment. Recreational In addition to these basic principles, and in order to activities will not be an end in themselves but a means effectively manage the discovery activities offered to for visitors to explore the park, gain access to its park visitors, management guidelines will be specifi- various sectors, and enjoy what it has to offer. cally drawn up both for educational and recreational activities. Generally speaking, discovery activities in Québec — parks must seek first and foremost to promote the very Educational Activities Natural mission of parklands, i.e., protect representative and Environment and Cultural Heritage exceptional aspects of the natural heritage while In parc des Pingualuit, like in all parks, education will providing unique outdoor leisure opportunities. With be the number one tool for introducing visitors to the this in mind, recreational activities in parc des Pingualuit area’s unique appeal while also seeking to meet the will be based on the following three principles to park’s conservation objectives. However, in this ensure the sustainable use of the natural environment: particular context, the concept of learning in a natural environment as we understand it is too restrictive. The ¥ Activities must create minimal impact on park area’s extreme living conditions and isolation have resources forged very close ties between its residents and the natural environment and contributed to Inuit culture ¥ Activities must teach about the park’s natural and and traditions. This relatively little-known culture cultural heritage deserves our attention. Moreover, it would be impossi- ble to understand this cultural component of the Nordic ¥ Activities must encourage access for all setting without a minimal understanding of the natural Activities will be developed according to the principles environment. of sustainable development and based on an eco- tourism approach.The local community will be involved in the development and offering of activities in compliance with appendix 6 of Complementary Agreement No. 6 of the JBNQA pertaining to the hiring

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The educational program for parc des Pingualuit will Safety will be a key concern in developing activities aim not only to promote discovery and understanding and services at parc des Pingualuit. It will be important of the local fauna, flora, and geomorphological to implement a comprehensive safety plan based on phenomena, but also the Nordic culture of the host prevention and intervention. Preventive measures community and, by extension, all residents of Québec’s must be put in place before the park is opened to Far North. Furthermore, the program will seek to preserve visitors. This will entail identifying potential dangers for this culture and the park’s natural environment. These travel and activities, sharing important information with two aspects of the Nordic way of life are very fragile users and personnel, developing supervision (assis- and must be taken into account in every one of our tance and monitoring) and emergency procedures, actions. Educational activities will also promote respect and training rescue workers and other key players. for the rules and regulations in effect in the park. Of course, parc des Pingualuit employees will play a leading role in ensuring safety with preventive actions The teaching approach will be one of environmental and emergency measures. education (EE), and will target understanding of the area, a change in visitor attitudes and behavior and, Delegation of the Management of ultimately, a concrete commitment by visitors to protect the land. This approach using participatory techniques Park Activities and Services also seeks to further the understanding of relationships The Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec between the social, economic, political, and ecological intends to entrust the management of activities and components of a given environment. services in parc des Pingualuit to the Inuit. A manage- Thus, the overall objective of educational activities will ment agreement will be drawn up in keeping with the be to create awareness of the park’s mission and major intentions outlined in appendix 6 of the Complementary natural features. The proposed program will have to Agreement of the JBNQA. Moreover, once the park is feature all the potential interpretation aspects directly created, the appendix will be amended to formalize connected to the park’s theme and outlined in the yet-to- boundaries and indicate the date of the park’s creation. be-developed interpretation plan. This plan will be the cornerstone for developing the educational program.

Recreational Activities — Natural Environment

As mentioned above, the recreational activities and services offered in parc des Pingualuit will focus primarily on the area’s natural and cultural attractions with a view to making them accessible to the general public. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover and admire the park’s resources and Nordic landscapes through various discovery experiences, many involving hiking or canoeing.

The proposed recreational activities and services will chiefly target visitors with little or no experience in a Nordic environment and often with limited technical abilities. Measures will be implemented to encourage ecotourist access to this remote, Nordic environment.

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Development Concept

Development guidelines for parc des Pingualuit are separates the two. The plateau is dotted with moraine based on the following observations: deposits, lakes, and many geomorphological phenomena resulting from the deglaciation period, and is home to ¥ The park boasts a number of exceptional, interna- many of the park’s natural features. The Great Lakes tionally renowned features that both draw visitors Necklace subsector is also of particular interest and and create a need for a high degree of protection, offers additional opportunities for exploring the vast particularly for Pingualuk Lake. plateau.

¥ The park is notable for its immensity and pristine The aim of the proposed activities and infrastructure is nature. to facilitate contact with this exceptional site and to foster appreciation and understanding of its treasures. ¥ The park is far from any communities and difficult to Physical links will have to be established with the get to. neighboring community of Kangiqsujuaq to allow access to the area, as at the moment, there are none. The interplay of man, nature, and culture is an im- ¥ Needless to say, park visitors will also find it an enriching portant feature of this area and the region in general. experience exploring the area outside the park. Key elements of the proposed park plan appear on map 8. ¥ Promotion of the park must respect the intentions of the Inuit nation, which made it part of the JBNQA. Residents of Nunavik are urged to discover and Visitor Reception enjoy the park, as it protects an important site that reflects their natural heritage and identity. As one would naturally expect, the visitor center will be located in the village of Kangiqsujuaq, outside the park ¥ This park also targets an ecotourism clientele seeking boundaries. Upon arrival in the village, visitors will adventure and exoticism. receive detailed information on the park based on the activities planned for them before their arrival in ¥ The park is part of a regional ethnotourism whole Ungava. If need be, they will be referred to local orga- offering excellent promotional opportunities in nizations or businesses for specialized products and addition to those developed by the park. services.

¥ The rights of the beneficiaries of the James Bay and The visitor center will be adjacent to the new commu- Northern Québec Agreement to engage in nity center the village hopes to build in the near future. subsistence activities will be respected. This will distinguish the park from the others in the Québec In addition to the park’s informational role, the Société network, where hunting is strictly forbidden and de la faune et des parcs du Québec intends to develop fishing is curtailed. an educational program. It will touch on the park’s specific natural features and various local cultural The proposed plan aims to strike a balance between aspects. All administrative services will also be housed facilitating access to and discovery of the area and taking in the building, and the village of Kangiqsujuaq will measures to preserve the fragile environment. Studies serve as the base for park maintenance operations of the area have revealed two main points of interest. and storage. One is right in the middle of the park and encompasses the Nouveau-Québec Crater, Pingualuk Lake, and its rocky bowl. The other, the Puvurnituq River Canyon, lies in the northwest part of the park. A major section of the Ungava Plateau stretching over some 30 kilometers

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Access To and Itiviluarjuk Lake westwards towards Cournoyer Lake at the park’s eastern boundary. From there, it will head Travel Within the Park into the park in the direction of Pingualuk Lake. All visitor traffic will be limited to a single trail to minimize No road currently leads to the park. The closest park impact on the natural environment. As mentioned boundary to the village of Kangiqsujuaq and the starting above, the interior of the crater will be off limits to point for most visitors is about 80 kilometers away. snowmobiles to avoid contamination of Pingualuk Although it is the people of Kangiqsujuaq who tradi- Lake. However, snowmobilers will be permitted to get tionally use this land, residents of the neighboring close enough to the pass that they only have to walk a communities of Puvurnituq and Salluit may occasionally short distance to enjoy the panoramic view. cross into the park via their own trails.

For the return segment, a number of alternatives can Given the park’s remote location, development will be considered. A loop trail could continue up to the depend largely on access, means of transportation, north edge of the park and join the old Katinniq route, and travel within the park. Decisions must be considered using a section of the summer trail that will also be carefully, as they will have a major impact on the marked. Again, this will eliminate unnecessary conservation of the environment and on the quality of disturbance of areas of human activity. experience for visitors seeking to get away from it all, while enjoying a minimum level of comfort and safety. At the intersection with the Katinniq route, two return In developing a suitable model, we called on the options will be available. To the east, the shorter route experience and traditions of the local communities. takes an inland path directly to Wakeham Beach. A Land Access longer and more spectacular route may be used in good weather conditions. It heads north to Douglas Winter Conditions Harbor, then veers southeast along the coast to the Winter access to the park is by snowmobile. Snow village of Kangiqsujuaq. These two routes run com- cover is generally sufficient to allow travel from pletely outside the park and are used occasionally by December to late May, although seasonal variations local snowmobilers. occur. Given that the first winter months are very harsh The return trip to the crater via the snowmobile trail and the days, very short, optimum visiting time is from across the plateau can be completed in two days in March to June. good weather, while a week-long circuit via a longer Snowmobile trails heading in all directions from the vil- route could incorporate various recreational and lage are currently used by local residents. Some lead cultural activities such as ice fishing, igloo building, to the interior of the Ungava Plateau while others fol- and observing the northern lights. Stopovers will low along the Hudson Strait. There is a marked trail require careful planning. Details are provided in the linking the village of Kangiqsujuaq to Itiviluarjuk Lake. accommodation section below. The lake lies to the west of the village, halfway to the Summer Conditions crater, and acts as a central point from which snow- mobilers branch out to their various destinations. Summer access to the park will require more in-depth Some cross into the park at this point as they head to planning since the area is used very little by the local their camps at Vergons Lake or Saint-Germain Lake, people at this time of year. Their traditional summer or towards their regular fishing spots, such as at activities draw them to the coast, where wildlife is Laflamme Lake. However, the trails are not sufficiently plentiful. traveled to merit marking. The development of the park will require that the marked trail be extended from

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The long distances, presence of continuous permafrost, The summer trails being studied would be designed for and lack of any drivable roads are all factors to take use by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the summer equivalent into account in planning park access. One hypothesis of the snowmobile. These are in fact the best-adapted being studied is to have the main route from vehicles for the area since they are lightweight, easy to Kangiqsujuaq follow a section of the old route linking maneuver, and suitable for all kinds of surfaces. Wakeham Beach to Katinniq, then veer southwest not However, they are lacking in comfort, which will have a far from Wakeham Lake towards the park. A new definite impact on visitors. The designation “all-terrain marked trail would have to be developed south of vehicle” covers various types of vehicles suitable for a Saint-Germain Lake to provide access to the park. It wide range of activities. Some have wheels or tracks, would follow the watershed line between the lake and some are amphibious, and others have heated cabins. Vachon River and head towards the crater, avoiding It will be up to park operators to consider the options the boulder fields. This proposed route, designed to be and choose the most appropriate type of vehicle for the direct, minimize water crossings, and bypass the Nordic environment. Although individual vehicles extensive boulder fields, will have to be validated equipped with trailers will be necessary for park onsite. The route would be a narrow trail free of major maintenance and patrolling, the use of larger vehicles obstacles and would not entail major construction capable of transporting several visitors and their work. Where no other solutions are available, loose baggage will be encouraged. materials available onsite could be used as fill. Where possible, existing borrow pits would be used. Depending on the final approved route, a short boat Permanent water crossings would be constructed so trip may be necessary to get to Wakeham Beach on as not to impede the passage of fish and would take the opposite shore from the village. The overland route into account high water levels during flooding. is long and arduous due to the area’s hilly terrain. The route used by local inhabitants is also unsuitable since If this option proves impossible, a second alternative it varies depending on the height of the tides and is would be envisaged that would follow the snowmobile designed for those used to driving ATVs, which will not trail, but avoid bodies of water. be the case for most visitors. This would mean building a shelter for ATVs at Wakeham Beach. It is possible Inside the park, a trail will branch off, linking the crater that in the long term, a more functional route will link to the Puvurnituq River Canyon. Here too, the technical the village to Wakeham Beach, which would facilitate analysis remains to be completed, but preliminary activity management and simplify transportation observations favor a route along the shores of arrangements. Laflamme Lake. Further on, the route would follow the Puvurnituq River westwards to the Perron Lake runoff. During thaws, the park’s summer route is impassable This would be the farthest point motorized vehicles as the spongy top layer of soil soaks up water. would be allowed to travel in the park. From here on, Realistically, we cannot expect park operations to the deep valley and canyon would be accessible only begin before July. By late September, weather conditions to hikers and canoeists. The technical analysis will begin to deteriorate, lessening appeal for visitors. As reveal whether it is preferable to pass east or west of for the duration of expeditions, they can vary depending Laflamme Lake, given the size of the boulder fields. If on the combination of outdoor activities selected by the required work should prove to be too technically visitors. Package-type activities will be developed by complex, too expensive, or too damaging to the envi- park operators. ronment, an alternative option would involve shuttling visitors by boat across Laflamme Lake, then cutting and marking an 8 kilometer hiking trail from the lake to the canyon.

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Once the winter and summer trails are completed, we The analysis showed that the maritime route would believe that some users will prefer to visit the park on certainly have unique potential and remarkable visual their own, either on foot, skis, or rented ATVs. Although appeal sure to dazzle visitors. However, the overland guided trips are recommended for safety reasons, portion of the route presented a number of serious self-guided visits may be envisaged under certain drawbacks. The section linking Douglas Harbor to conditions. In this case, visitors will have to prove they Katinniq is marked by a number of steep active-talus are properly prepared and able to ensure their own slopes that would require regular maintenance. The safety in a Nordic environment (survival techniques, trail between Katinniq and the crater would have to be appropriate equipment, sufficient food, etc.). For safety built from scratch and construction would be very tech- reasons and to maintain control over park operations, nically demanding. The trail would have to climb over a all visitors will be required to register, whether or not series of rocky crests running parallel to the river, they are accompanied by a guide. Both visitors and which would make the route considerably longer. This guides must stay on the trails to avoid damage to the option would also require building a substantial bridge tundra. over the river. This hypothesis would thus entail very high construction and maintenance costs, it would Beneficiaries of the JBNQA will be free to travel at their require a major investment, and would complicate leisure. However, they will be urged to notify park travel as three types of vehicles would be needed authorities of their presence in the area. This will make (boat, minivan, ATV). it easier to manage activities within the park and minimize the danger of hunting accidents. Furthermore, visitors Consequently, we have opted for the summer access will receive literature informing them of the periods route described in the previous section. However, when the Inuit will be engaging in traditional hunting given the potential and appeal of the coastline in both activities in the park. directions from the village of Kangiqsujuaq, we believe a boat cruise could be an appropriate companion If, for technical reasons, it proves to be impossible to activity to those offered by the park. This type of activity set up the ATV trails on the proposed route, we will would encourage visitors to extend their stays in look at alternate routes, taking into account zoning the community, which would be responsible for its issues and the principles governing environmental development and promotion. protection. The necessary adjustments will then be made to relocate accommodation facilities. A map of Air Access the area illustrates all the possible access routes Access by air is a commonly proposed alternative for currently under review (map 9). parks in remote locations. However, the noise created Maritime Access by aircraft flying over the park and the crater would affect the quality of the experience ecotourists are At the request of local stakeholders, we looked at a seeking, specifically getting in touch with nature and loop variation of the summer route described above. It escaping from all the trappings of the modern world. would encompass other potential attractions in the First-time visitors to the Far North often describe a kind area by traveling the Hudson Strait from Kangiqsujuaq of spiritual experience triggered by the combination of to Douglas Harbor, then taking the old route inland to wide open spaces, pristine nature, and contact with a Katinniq. From there, a new trail would have to be new culture. This experience must be treated with the made to the south, crossing over the Puvurnituq River deepest respect. and ending at Laflamme Lake.

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Moreover, the tricky and ever-changing wind and established for drinking water use, kitchen waste and visibility would prevent dependable air access to the wastewater management, personal hygiene, etc. park. Often, conditions on the coast are quite different Visitors will also be given advice on how to avoid from those on the plateau. It’s not unusual to fly out of attracting animals. the village in good weather only to be forced to turn around halfway and sometimes wait for more than a Due to the remote location of the park, some of the day before trying again. Although the waiting game accommodation facilities will have to be erected and flight postponements are par for the course in the outside park boundaries, close to access routes. Far North, they are likely to inconvenience visitors. Visitors will have to reserve these facilities in advance. Land travel is much more dependable. Permanent structures such as huts and shelters will To preserve the park’s special charm and spiritual also serve as gathering points in the event of an appeal, the use of aircraft in the park will be discouraged, emergency and will be equipped with food reserves except for park operation, management, and emergency and a first-aid kit. cases. These will be relatively infrequent and will be The community of Kangiqsujuaq has indicated its planned so as not to coincide with the high season, intention to offer igloo-building for winter expeditions as where possible. Since there will be no landing strip in part of its guided packages. Visitors wishing to the park, seaplanes used for park management oper- experience a true Nordic adventure can sleep out in ations will land on Laflamme Lake, a few kilometers their homemade igloos. north of the crater. It is the only lake in the area that provides sufficient clearance, an obstacle-free surface, Huts and appropriate alignment in relation to the prevailing winds to ensure safe landings. Of course, helicopters Communal huts will be built to house park visitors. may be used on occasion in the event of an emergency They will be mostly for winter use, but will likely be or specific management situation. popular when summer weather conditions get nasty. The huts will be dormitory-style heated structures with Private aircraft fly tourists or locals over the area and a sleeping capacity of 12. some land around the crater and even on Pingualuk Lake. These comings and goings are difficult to control Two huts will be built on the main winter trail, one at and are often simply the result of failure to recognize Itiviluarjuk Lake (outside the park), and the other south the damage caused. Efforts will be made to raise of Laflamme Lake, within the park boundaries. By awareness among federal air traffic authorities and locating the huts this way, the route will be divided into private regional carriers so that pilots are informed of two similar length sections. The two lakes are not only the park’s objectives and rules and regulations. Pilots good landmarks, they will also provide drinking water will be urged to maintain a certain altitude to avoid for park users. frightening wildlife and disturbing visitor tranquility. Since Laflamme Lake is only 2 to 3 kilometers north of the crater, it will be easy for visitors to stay overnight at Accommodation the hut and explore the crater by day. This will limit pressure on the environment surrounding this remark- Accommodation options in parc des Pingualuit were able site. The choice of Laflamme Lake for the hut was assessed on the basis of distance, seasons, weather also influenced by the fact that it will serve as a landing conditions, modes of transportation, types of activities, area for seaplanes used for park management and user safety. All the accommodation options operations. The hut could also be used by employees proposed here are primitive. To ensure that the sites performing maintenance and patrol work. remain in good condition, strict rules of conduct will be

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For safety reasons, an additional hut is planned not far For visitors wishing to hike the hills around the crater from the Puvurnituq River Canyon at the end of the ridge, appropriate camping sites will be marked. For road. Although this sector is not intended for winter safety reasons and to protect the fragile environment, use, its distance from the crater makes it an appropriate camping on the ridge itself and within the limits of the location for this type of structure. crater will be strictly forbidden. Very high winds capable of easily destroying tents have occasionally been Shelters reported. Camping will be more comfortable outside Three shelters in all will be built. They will be smaller the crater limits where the effect of the wind is less and than the huts and will serve mainly as a place for a stone wind barrier could be erected. visitors to rest and warm themselves. In the event of an In the canyon sector, a few camping platforms will be emergency, visitors will be able to spend the night, as installed near the hut. Like the area around the crater, the shelters will feature auxiliary heating systems. signs will show campers where they can set up their Two of the shelters will be built on the main winter tents in the valley, away from rockslides and rare route, spaced out between the village and the huts. plants. The proposed locations are in the vicinity of Qulusuttalik Lake and Cournoyer Lake. The exact Activities and choice of location at the latter will take into consideration Support Equipment the summer route so that the facilities can be used year-round. The many attractions within parc des Pingualuit are both educational and inspiring. The proposed recreational This also holds true for the shelter planned for the activities will focus on the discovery and understanding Wakeham Lake sector, halfway along the summer of these features. All types of human-powered recre- access route, if the route via the old road to Wakeham ational activities will be encouraged, although due to Beach is approved. It could also be used in winter in the great distances, we cannot completely prevent the the event the return route goes via Wakeham Beach. use of motor vehicles to get to the site.

According to the plan for the summer access route, it Educational Activities — Natural will be necessary to build a small structure at Environment Wakeham Beach to store equipment and provide visitors a place to wait for their maritime shuttle. Educating the public about the natural environment is one of the objectives of the Québec Parks Act. Parc Camping des Pingualuit has unique potential and is a site of remarkable quality. This first park in Québec’s Far Wilderness camping will be encouraged during the North also introduces visitors to Inuit culture, which summer season and campers will be urged to come serves to enhance its appeal. equipped with all the necessary gear to explore the area and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Since the This potential will be tapped from the moment visitors main destination will be the crater, a camping area will arrive at the village of Kangiqsujuaq and are invited to be set up about one kilometer from the pass leading to go the park visitor center, where various tools (exhibits, Pingualuk Lake. Camping platforms will be built to small reference library, etc.) will be developed to educate enhance comfort, avoid campers spreading out, and visitors on the park’s resources and the Kangiqsujuaq reduce environmental impact. area. Contact with the villagers, in particular the elders and craftspeople, will be encouraged. This will be

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made easier by the fact that the proposed visitor center need be, in certain sectors, unstable rocks could be will be adjacent to the community center. Exhibits, removed to make travel easier. meetings, and demonstrations of the community’s know-how could be an enriching addition to the program. At the Puvurnituq River Canyon, hiking will be easier since the valley bottom and peaks are less rocky and A closer analysis will allow us to identify ways of the vegetation is denser. There will be no real trails, developing the educational program within the park however routes between the peaks and valley will be boundaries itself. One thing we are already considering indicated. is to draw the attention of visitors in shelters and huts to nearby phenomena they can explore on their own. There will likely be some visitors who prefer to make We could also call on local guides who are particularly the entire trek into the park on foot. With the exception well versed in traditional knowledge. A training program of a steep section leading out of the village, the hike in could be set up to fine-tune their skills in communica- along the summer trail is relatively easy, albeit some- tion and more technical fields, if need be. what monotonous since the terrain lacks any major contours. For anyone venturing off the trail, a GPS is We will also look at the possibility of installing a series essential, particularly since the proximity of the magnetic of interpretive panels of the crater and the Puvurnituq pole throws off compass readings. River Canyon. Due to the lack of any major landmarks or well-defined Recreational Activities trails, hikers will be warned against getting lost in foggy conditions. All advice and warnings about these activi- We have grouped together all activities that do not ties will be provided to visitors upon registration at the involve the use of motorized equipment, even where park visitor center, where safety equipment will also be they may be considered a means of transport. available for rent. Hiking Mountain Biking Despite the relatively gentle terrain, getting around on The park holds an exciting challenge for mountain bike foot in the park can be a challenge due to the immense enthusiasts seeking to enjoy an endurance activity in boulder fields. The rocks are unstable and can get very an unusual and remote environment. However, this slippery in wet weather, which makes progress slow clientele is very marginal and does not require any going and requires proper footwear. For most visitors, special equipment. Interested parties will be urged to hikes will be concentrated around the crater and in the take the summer trail. Puvurnituq River Valley.

Only one route will provide access to the inside of the Canoeing crater. A footpath will be defined so that all hikers will The only feasible access route to certain sectors of the take the same route, reducing the danger of soil park is via Vachon River, Nallusarqituq Lake and erosion that could contaminate Pingualuk Lake. Vergons Lake. In a pinch, Rouxel Lake could also be Elsewhere, the slopes are much too steep with unstable used by canoeists. However, during periods of mini- talus making access to the lake very dangerous. mum flow, a number of portages would be necessary However, a hiking area covering about 15 kilometers as the water level often gets too low to allow boats to could easily be made on the ridge, along the well- pass.The rocky shores of the lake make such maneuvers trodden caribou paths. At various intervals, signposts even trickier. There are neither rapids nor whitewater would indicate the direction hikers should take to avoid along the route, so the appeal of this kind of experience the bigger boulder fields and unsafe passages. If

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would lie in the endurance aspect and remoteness of Hunting and Fishing the activity. Given the context, we don’t expect the In compliance with the Parks Act, hunting will be number of canoeists to be very high and thus no forbidden to all park visitors. However, beneficiaries of special facilities will be required. Canoeing enthusiasts the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement will who do wish to explore the park will be urged to comply be permitted to continue their traditional subsistence with the general accommodation rules they receive at activities. the park visitor center. Canoeing will be part of a multi- activity package for which canoes will be rented on the Fishing could be one of the recreational activities avail- main lakes. Kayaking could also be an interesting able in the park on designated bodies of water, so long option. as catches are consumed onsite. This measure would be to avoid overfishing at the expense of beneficiaries Since the park is located at the head of the drainage of the Agreement. basin of the Puvurnituq and Arnaud rivers, we believe it could be a good launching point for two very long Other Activities canoe routes connecting to Hudson Bay near the village of Puvurnituq in one direction, and Ungava Bay close Requests for activities other than those mentioned to Kangirsuq in the other. Traditionally, people embarking above will be examined on a case-by-case basis. on this type of expedition are self-sufficient. However, However, “extreme” activities such as rock climbing like all park visitors, they will be urged to comply with and paragliding will be examined according to the the park’s code of ethics. same criteria used for the rest of the parks network.

Cross Country Skiing No conclusions were reached with regard to scuba diving. Although Pingualuk Lake is extraordinarily clear The situation for cross country skiers is similar to that and likely to hold great fascination for divers, this of overnight hikers. For a personal and endurance activity requires specialized equipment that is difficult challenge, some skiers will probably wish to ski to the to supply, given the lake’s distance from the village. crater. This kind of expedition is restricted to experi- Future requests on this matter will be considered enced skiers and will require serious planning. After a individually. steep climb out of the village, the terrain over the plateau is quite flat. Skiers wishing to use the snow- mobile trails will enjoy the benefit of marked trails and regularly spaced shelters and huts. Nevertheless, skiing enthusiasts must be sure to carry all the necessary equipment in the event of an emergency or bad weather. Trails will not be groomed or patrolled.

Dogsledding

It is possible that in the medium term, the Inuit will bring back the traditional Arctic means of transportation that involves harnessing dogs to a kametik. This activity would mesh perfectly with the unique experience we are seeking to offer and would certainly be very popular with visitors. If this proposal works out, we will have to sit down to analyze possible access routes.

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Conclusion

Our current state of knowledge allows us to affirm that Thus, this master plan is a provisional one. It is impor- the territory proposed for inclusion in parc des tant that Quebecers become aware of it and take Pingualuit is not only a remarkable piece of land, but is advantage of the upcoming public hearings to express also large enough to protect the Nouveau-Québec their opinions and needs. Once the hearings are Crater, a phenomenon of international scientific complete, the Société will analyze the resulting briefs, repute. Moreover, the park will be an outstanding advice, and comments, and will take into consideration window on the natural environment of the Ungava the various recommendations of interested parties, Plateau, with the exception of its coastal region. The where possible, before submitting its final development Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec will create proposal for approval to the Kativik Environmental other Nordic parks to highlight this latter facet. It also Quality Commission. Once approval is obtained, the plans to confer on this 1,126.5 km2 land mass the legal creation of parc des Pingualuit will constitute a status of conservation park. This is an increase of response to the will of the Inuit people, who inscribed 384.9 km2 over the land mass initially proposed in the this project in the James Bay and Northern Québec James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement for which Agreement so many years ago. the Société has received the formal backing of the neighboring community of Kangiqsujuaq. Parc des Pingualuit will be the first link in the Nunavik network of Québec parks the Société de la faune et To the role of conservation park will be added an des parcs intends to develop in cooperation with the educational program featuring the intrinsic characteristics people of the Far North. of the land and the Inuit culture. Recreational activities, while remaining respectful of the area’s fragility, will provide the opportunity for close, enriching contacts with this remarkable environment and the chance to discover nature in her purest form.

The promotion of the park and the development of recreational/educational activities will also respect the rights of the Inuit to engage in traditional activities, as defined in the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.

There is ample opportunity for public input in the park creation process. Growing public interest in the conservation movement is sufficient reason for the Société to open up its consultation process, after first consulting with local interest groups. Quebecers are well aware that in the current economic situation, the decision to set aside natural areas for conservation is a huge challenge and one that cannot be met without their approval and input.

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OFFICE DE PLANIFICATION ET DE DÉVELOPPEMENT DU QUÉBEC, (1983). Le Nord du Québec, profil régional. Communications Department. Government Publications. 184 pp.

QUÉBEC NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, (1997). Draft bill No. 19: Parks Act, R.S.Q., P-9, 1999, c. 36.

ROCHE, (1992). Projet Raglan, Étude environnementale, volume 2: Étude des caractéristiques physico-chimiques et biologiques. Ecological and social impact study conducted for Falconbridge Limited. 357 pp.

VÉZINET, M. (1980). Les Nunamiut. Inuit au cÏur des terres. Ministère des Affaires culturelles, Québec. 151 pp.

42 Parc des Pingualuit **plan Pingang HEL.qxd 21/9/00 10:03 AM Page 43 (1,1)

References

1 The Inuit name Pingualuit has been used to refer to the planned park since 1998.

2 Daigneault, R.A., 1997, 1999.

3 Daigneault, R.A., 1997, 1999.

4 Daigneault, R.A., 1997, 1999.

5 Labrèche, 1994, Bouchard, M. 1989.

References 43 **plan Pingang HEL.qxd 21/9/00 10:03 AM Page 44 (1,1) PAP_etat.qxd 18/9/00 9:33 AM Page 5 (1,1)