A Short History of Cape Dorset

Cape Dorset is the place where several archaeological sites of the ancient Dorset people were discovered that date back to 1000 BC. The more advanced Thule ancestors of the Inuit people eventually displaced them. The Dorset people became extinct by 1500 AD. However, mystical traces of them still remain here today.

Cape Dorset was named so by the English explorer Luke Foxe, after his sponsor, the Earl of Dorset, in 1631. The local Inuit people had always known this unique location as 'Sikusiilaq', referring to the area of seawater nearby that remains ice-free all winter.

The Hudson Bay Company (HBC) founded a trading post here in 1913. Inuit people traded stretched furs, tanned skins and ivory narwhal tusks for supplies like tobacco, ammunition, kerosene, flour, tea and sugar. In 1947, an HBC supply ship called the RMS Nascopie ran aground off the shores of Dorset Island. Before it sank completely, the resourceful local Inuit people salvaged its supplies and retrieved wood from the ship to construct their homes.

At some point during the 1940s, the great Inuit photographer Peter Pitseolak acquired his first camera here from a Catholic missionary. Cape Dorset has since become a world-famous centre for Inuit drawing, printmaking and carving. In 1957, the Canadian artist, author and filmmaker James Archibald Houston established a graphic arts workshop here. This art studio experimented with etching, engraving, lithography and silkscreen printmaking techniques. Between 1959 and 1974, Cape Dorset artists produced more than 48,000 limited edition prints. Famous artists from Cape Dorset include Pudlo Pudlat and Kenojuak Ashevak. Canadian postage stamps and a Canadian quarter (25 cent piece) have featured Ashevak's distinctive drawings of snowy owls. The art classroom at Peter Pitseolak School is dedicated in Kenojuak's name.

A Short Description of Cape Dorset

Formally established as a hamlet in 1982, picturesque Cape Dorset is considered the "Inuit Art Capital of the World" due to the art industry employing almost a quarter of the population. Found off the southwest cost of Baffin Island (in the Hudson Strait), this isolated community of approximately 1200 people (over 90% of which are Inuit; 2006 Statistics Canada) is rapidly increasing, with a growing percent of its population (approximately 45%) under the age of 25. Cape Dorset is home to many services, including a Co-op, Northern Store, Hockey/Skating Rink, outdoor rink, two inns, airport and other amenities.

Climate / Weather

Cape Dorset enjoys long sunny days from May through August with temperatures around 10°C on average, peaking at 20°C occasionally. Fall weather is variable, usually around 5°C, mostly sunny, but sometimes foggy with heavy rains. The snow begins to accumulate in November. The coldest months are January, February and March when the temperature can drop to -40°C. The snow normally starts to melt in April.

Climate data for Cape Dorset Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year −21.7 −22.7 −17.9 −10.3 −2.7 5.1 11.2 8.8 3.6 −1.8 −8.7 −16.9 −6.2 Average high °C (°F) (−7.1) (−8.9) (−0.2) (13.5) (27.1) (41.2) (52.2) (47.8) (38.5) (28.8) (16.3) (1.6) (20.8) −25.0 −26.0 −21.6 −14.1 −5.5 2.3 7.4 5.7 1.5 −3.9 −11.7 −20.2 −9.3 Daily mean °C (°F) (−13) (−14.8) (−6.9) (6.6) (22.1) (36.1) (45.3) (42.3) (34.7) (25) (10.9) (−4.4) (15.3) −28.3 −29.2 −25.1 −18.0 −8.3 −0.6 3.5 2.5 −0.7 −5.9 −14.8 −23.4 −12.4 Average low °C (°F) (−18.9) (−20.6) (−13.2) (−0.4) (17.1) (30.9) (38.3) (36.5) (30.7) (21.4) (5.4) (−10.1) (9.7) Record low °C (°F) −38.9 −40.6 −42.2 −32.8 −19.6 −9.3 −3.4 −4.6 −8.3 −23.9 −30.6 −42.8 −42.8 (−38) (−41.1) (−44) (−27) (−3.3) (15.3) (25.9) (23.7) (17.1) (−11) (−23.1) (−45) (−45) Wind chill −54.5 −58.1 −53.0 −44.6 −29.3 −14.6 −7.6 −8.7 −14.7 −39.7 −39.7 −51.4 −58.1 22.3 17.3 21.8 30.1 31.1 23.7 34.4 56.0 46.7 44.3 42.4 33.1 403.0 Precipitation mm (inches) (0.878) (0.681) (0.858) (1.185) (1.224) (0.933) (1.354) (2.205) (1.839) (1.744) (1.669) (1.303) (15.866) 25.5 20.4 25.7 34.6 30.7 9.3 0.4 1.4 14.1 42.8 50.2 41.5 296.4 Snowfall cm (inches) (10.04) (8.03) (10.12) (13.62) (12.09) (3.66) (0.16) (0.55) (5.55) (16.85) (19.76) (16.34) (116.69) Avg. snowy days 16.7 14.2 16.3 14.5 15.8 5.1 0.2 0.6 7.6 18.7 20.1 19.5 149.0

Wildlife

The wildlife in Cape Dorset is diverse and reflective of the Arctic tundra in which the hamlet resides. Throughout the year, polar bears, seals, walruses, caribou and many other animals are located outside of Cape Dorset. The lakes and ocean along Cape Dorset are teeming with Arctic Char, a staple of northern diet. Many birds can be spotted throughout Cape Dorset, the most prominent being ravens.

Clothing

The winters in Cape Dorset can be harsh. The type of clothing recommended for the winter includes a high quality parka (Canada Goose Arctic Program is considered one of the best), any other down filled parkas will do but quality parkas are encouraged. Several local people make very nice quality Atigi parkas that pull over the head –they are very warm and depending on the fur trim would be $350.00 - $750.00----- warm snow-pants, high quality winter boots, toques, face mask, ski goggles, ice grippers for feet, and anything else that can help with the cold. Prepare for -40 C.

In the fall and late spring/early summer, a warm fall jacket and lighter winter coat would be a good idea. Remember do not dress to be fashionable. Outdoor wear is not considered fashion as much as it is "equipment for cold temperatures". Dress to be warm in -5 C to +6/7 C. temperatures.

Transportation

There are daily flights to and from Cape Dorset via Iqaluit by Canadian North Airlines, and flights Sunday- Friday by First Air Airlines. Air is really the only way into Cape Dorset. Please note that both Airlines coming into Cape Dorset offer a special rate to teachers which can be accessed for on-line bookings such as Christmas Break. It is advised that you book early at least getting out to Iqaluit, once there more options for heading south are available.

As for transportation in Cape Dorset, many people move around simply by walking. Almost every service needed in Cape Dorset is walking distance from your accommodations. However, many people own all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles (useful in the hamlet and on the land), both of which are much more common on Cape Dorset streets than any type of truck. A few people and entities (the Municipality of Cape Dorset, Government of Nunavut and RCMP especially) have trucks throughout the hamlet, but walking, snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle are the most common methods of getting around. It should also be noted that most of the teachers currently are assigned units which are close to Sam Pudlat Elementary (an easy 5 minute walk). The High School is at the bottom of a large hill which makes walking to School (downhill 15-20 minutes) fairly easy in the mornings—it does offer quite a challenge going home after school. (30-40 minutes up hill). Some of the School Teachers have ATV’s and snowmobiles which makes it easier if you are loaded down with several bags of groceries.

Both schools have access to a 15 passenger bus that doubles as a handicapped bus for both schools and in getting local community members to Hamlet functions. The “Bus” will pick you up at the airport and get you to your new home upon your arrival. We are fortunate that both our principals have the necessary chauffeur's license to operate the vehicle.

What is in Cape Dorset

In Cape Dorset, you will find Peter Pitseolak High School and Sam Pudlat Elementary School, the Northern Store, the Kinngait Co-op (Grocery/Hardware/Polaris Dealer, membership is advised), the RCMP Detachment, an Anglican church, a Pentecostal Church, Government of Nunavut Office building, Dorset Arts Studio and Print Shop as well as the community hall. For recreation, there is a youth centre, hockey arena, swimming pool, Aupuluktuk Park and a gazebo look-out. There is a large park (Aupuluktuk Park) outside the community on the water (Hudson Strait) about 3 K out of town. There are two hotels, the Dorset Suites accommodation and Dining Room. The Kingait Inn (which also has a pizza place for take-out). The only other restaurant in Cape Dorset is operated by the Co-op. It has a take-out and/or Eat-in Menu. This restaurant is found on the hill across from the High School.

Events Around Town

Every April has "Hamlet Day", which is a local holiday that celebrates Inuit culture. There are parades on Christmas, New Years, and Canada Days. Many cultural events are held at Peter Pitseolak School over the Christmas break as well as through-out the school year.

There is bingo held weekly (usually every Thursday) at the community hall—the Bingo offers many local organizations including the schools the ability to raise funds for local projects and/or sporting events. The Bingo is also broadcast over the local radio station. Sam Pudlat School has a Radio slot every day from 4 – 5 PM. Which is Broadcast directly from the school sharing the “community happenings” as well as interviewing visitors to the community.

Community feasts are also a celebrated event and take place from time to time to honour distinguish visitors and/or special occasions, etc.