Taimani

Royal Recognition of Nation to Nation Rights

1763AD

1700s-1800s

King George III of England issues a Royal Proclamation that protects Indigenous lands from colonial interests in eastern North America. Colonists can only acquire and occupy Indigenous lands through 'nation to nation' negotiations with First Peoples requiring purchase or treaty.

Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada/e010778430-v8.

Tan'ngit/Qablunaaq Arrive in Inuvialuit Nunangat

1792AD

1700s-1800s

Fur trader Alexander Mackenzie travels down Kuukpak, the ‘Big River’ (later named Mackenzie River), to the Beaufort Sea, seeing recently occupied Inuvialuit camps and dwellings

Portrait of Alexander Mackenzie. Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada/MIKAN 431228

Tan'ngit Bring Foreign Diseases

1800s–1900s

Over countless generations, our ancestors developed ways to prevent illness, and to treat sickness and injuries. Starting with scarlet fever, foreign and highly infectious diseases, against which we had no immunity, decimated our communities and caused us to abandon many traditional places.

The Power of Amulets (Helen Kalvak, stone cut print, 1987). Photo credit: Helen Kalvak School.

Sallirmiut Meet John Franklin

1826AD

Sallirmiut meet John Franklin's 2nd Overland Expedition at several places near the mouth of Kuukpak (which Franklin named 'Mackenzie's River').

‘Esquimaux Encampment on Richard’s Island’. Photo credit: Franklin, John. 1828. 'A Narrative of a Second Expedition to the Shores of the Polar Sea in the Years 1825, 1826 and 1827'. London: John Murray.

Igluqpait / Fort McPherson

1849AD

1800s–1900s

 The Hudson's Bay Company establishes a trading post at present-day Fort McPherson near the junction of the Peel and Mackenzie rivers. Inuvialuit begin traveling upriver regularly to trade, calling the post Igluqpait ('big houses').

Drum dance at Fort MacPherson. This photograph taken in Fort McPherson in 1892 shows Inuvialuit holding a drum dance to celebrate the arrival of the Hudson's Bay Company supply ship. Photo credit: Hudson’s Bay Company Archives/James Anderson/N6274.

Investigator & Enterprise

1850AD

1800s–1900s

Inuinnait of western Victoria Island have their first encounter with Europeans when they briefly meet the crew of the British Admiralty ship Investigator which is searching for the missing Franklin Expedition. The following year a companion ship, Enterprise, spends the winter on western Victoria Island and is frequently visited by Inuinnat.

Inuinnait family at Walker Bay. Drawing by Edward Adams of an Inuinnait family that met the crew of Enterprise when it spent the winter of 1851/52 at Walker Bay, western Victoria Island. Photo credit: Scott Polar Research Institute.

Inuinnait Trade with Crew of HMS Enterprise

1855AD

1800s–1900s

Cultural objects/belongings traded by Inuinnait of western Victoria Island to crew of the Enterprise are acquired by the British Museum. They are referred to as the Collinson Collection, named after the captain of the Enterprise.

Ulu blades in the Collinson Collection. Two ulu blades made from local copper that Inuinnait traded to crew of the Enterprise when it spent the winter of 1851/52 at Walker Bay, western Victoria Island. Photo credit: British Museum/Am1126.327.

HBC Establishes Fort Anderson

1861AD

1800s–1900s

After meeting with a delegation of Inuvialuit requesting a trading post within their home territory, the Hudson's Bay Company establishes Fort Anderson on 'Beghula', the Dene name for, or 'Kuuk', the Inuvialuktun name for, the Anderson River.

Fort Anderson. Illustration of Fort Anderson in 1865, based on a sketch by Father Émile Petitot. Photo credit: 'Les Grands Esquimaux’ by Émile Petitot, 1887.

First Missionary Visits Inuvialuit Nunangat

1865AD

1800s–1900s

The Catholic Priest, Father Émile Petitot, is the first missionary to visit Inuvialuit Nunangat, our homeland. He visits five times between 1865 and 1878.

Émile Petitot. Illustration of Father Émile Petitot. Photo credit: ‘Les Grands Esquimaux’ by Émile Petitot, 1887.

Anderson River Items Collected for Smithsonian

1866AD

1800s–1900s

Between 1861 and 1866, Roderick MacFarlane purchased and collected hundreds of ethnographic and thousands of natural history items which became a founding collection of the new Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

Skin pouch, likely used to hold tobacco, from the MacFarlane Collection. Photo by David Stewart, Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Canadian Confederation

1867AD

1800s–1900s

Confederation of the nation of Canada began in 1867 with the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador was the last province to join.

The Dominion of Canada at the time of Confederation. Photo credit: Wikipedia (licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license).

Northwest Territory Becomes Part of Canada

1870AD

1800s–1900s

Without any consultation with Inuvialuit the United Kingdom transferred large parts of their homelands to the Government of Canada, creating the North-West Territories.

"North-West Territory in 1870." Photo credit: Wikipedia (licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Generic license), H126.

Alaskan Migration to the Delta

1870sAD

1800s–1900s

First migration of Alaskan settlers to the Delta after the drastic decline in caribou. In time, they will call themselves Uummarmiut, 'people of the evergreens and willows.'

The Kur̂ugaq family. This photograph, taken at Arctic Red River between 1912 and 1917, has a caption ‘Kooruk, last chief of the Nunatana’. Charlie Kur̂ugaq is standing at the right. Next to him is his wife Rebecca Aluniq with their daughter Annie'. The other woman and child are unidentified. Photo credit: Donald Cadzow/National Museum of the American Indian/N02025.

Commercial Whaling at Qikiqtaruk and Utqaluk

1890AD

1800s–1900s

American and other foreign bowhead whalers overwinter for the first time at Qiqiktaruk (Herschel Island) and Utqaluk (Baillie Island), ushering in the commercial whaling era.

Harpooning a whale. Commercial whalers employed Inupiat and Inuvialuit to help harvest whales, as shown in this photograph taken about 1913 of an Inupiat/Inuvialuit crew harpooning a bowhead whale. Photo credit: Old Dartmouth Historical Society.

Anglican Mission at Qikiqtaruk

1897AD

1800s–1900s

The first Anglican mission in Inuvialuit Nunangat is established at Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island. Other missions followed in the Mackenzie delta and along the coast.

The photo was taken outside the Anglican mission building on Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island in 1909 following the baptism and marriage of James Atumiksana and Hanna Nasugaluak (standing at the right, in front) and Thomas Umauq and Susie Atugauq (standing against the building). Reverand (later Bishop) Isaac Stringer, the first missionary on Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island, is in the centre wearing robes. Photo credit: The General Synod Archives, Anglican Church of Canada/P7517-148.

Traditional Coastal Inuvialuit Groups

Early 1900sAD

1900–1950

Our Sallirmiut and Inuinnait ancestors live in regional communities consisting of people with close kinship ties who interact with each other on a regular basis.

Kitigaaryuk / Kittigaryuit

1902AD

1900–1950

Kitigaaryuk is abandoned after a measles epidemic in the community. Some survivors return later, and others resettle in Tuktuuyaqtuuq (see 1905, Mangilaluk).

Kitigaaryuk in 1909. This photograph of Kitigaaryuk (Kittigaryuit) was taken in 1909, seven years after the village was abandoned in 1902 during a measles epidemic and after people began returning there. The caption is: 'Old village and camp at Kittigazuit [Kitigaaryuk]. The shore is lined with ruins of old log-and-sod houses, and the hills are covered with graves'. Photo credit: R.M. Anderson/Library and Archives Canada/C-23943.

I, Nugilak

1902AD

1900–1950

In his autobiography, Bob Cockney Nuligak spoke about the disease that led to Kitigaaryuk being abandoned in 1902: “That summer the Kitigariuit [Kitigaaryungmiut, the people of Kitigaaryuk] people fell ill and many of them died. […] It was 1902. Mother, my little brother Irkralugaluk and I joined those who were leaving”.

Photo credit: Dust cover of Bob Cockney, ‘I, Nuligak’, 1966, p. 47.

NW Mounted Police

1903AD

1900–1950

The first North West Mounted Police detachment in Inuvialuit Nunangat is established at Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island to address the alcohol consumption and lawlessness of the commercial whalers.

NW Mounted Police patrol. This photograph shows Gerard Siksigaaluk, an Inuvialuk who worked with the NW Mounted Police as a guide and translator, and Corporal Doak on a patrol from Herschel Island to Fort McPherson in 1916. Photo credit: Royal Canadian Mounted Police/ Library and Archives Canada /E352175.

Shaman Kablualuk Escapes (Again!)

1903AD

1900–1950

Inuvialuit shaman Kablualuk lived with his family at Qikiktaruk/Herschel Island. He was arrested several times and escaped repeatedly from the police detachment by turning into a bird and flying away.

Kublualuk and his family on Qikiktaruk/Herschel Island in the 1920s. Photo credit: Yukon Archives, Finnie family fonds, 81/21, #206.

Mangilaluk Founds Tuktuuyaqtuuq

1905AD

1900–1950

Mangilaluk starts a permanent community at Tuktuuyaqtuuq/Tuktoyaktuk. William Mangilaluk is generally regarded as the last traditional Inuvialuit Umialik. He was born in the last half of the 1800s and died in 1945. In areas where bowhead whales were hunted, an umialiq owned an umiaq (large skin boat) and recruited men to help hunt large whales. Where bowhead whales were no longer hunted, such as Kitigaaryuk, near the mouth of the Mackenzie River, the term was used more broadly for generous, capable hunters who were also effective leaders. After Kiti was abandoned, Mangilaluk settled in Tuktuuyaqtuuq and other survivors joined him.

Residents of Tuktuuyaqtuuq, 1924. This photograph taken in Tuktuuyaqtuuq in 1924 shows William Mangilaluk (standing with his hands in his pockets) and other residents of the community. Photo credit: National Museum of Denmark/Fifth Thule Expedition/2545.

Natkusiak (Billie Banksland) Travels with Stefansson

1911AD

1900–1950

William Natkusiak (also known as Billie Banksland), an Inupiaq from Alaska, and Canadian born explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson, explored vast areas of the Canadian Arctic (see Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913). In May, 1911 they visited Inuinnait at snow house camps around Prince Albert Sound on Victoria Island, this community's first encounter with a Tanik/Tan'ngit, or ‘white person’.

William Natkusiak and Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Left: William Natkusiak (Billy Banksland). Right: Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Originally from Alaska, after working with Stefansson on two expeditions Natkusiak stayed in the Canadian Arctic and was instrumental in establishing the fur trade on Banks and Victoria Islands. Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada/Canadian Arctic Expedition.

Aktlarvik / Aklavik Founded

1912AD

1900–1950

Aktlarvik, ‘barren ground grizzly place,’ was founded by the Greenland and Pokiak families. The HBC established a trading post there in 1912. By 1919, Aktlarvik had become the main fur trade post in the north.

Hudson's Bay Company trading post at Aktlarvik/ Aklavik, 1926. This photograph shows people in front of the Hudson's Bay Company trading post at Aktlarvik/ Aklavik in 1926 greeting the arrival of a supply ship. Photo credit: Canada Dept. of Interior/NWT Archives/G-1979-001-0260.

HBC Post at Kitigaaryuk/Kittigazuit

1912AD

1900–1950

The Hudson's Bay company establshes its first fur trading post in Inuvialuit Nunangat at Kitigaaryuk in 1912.

The post in 1928. Photo credit: Hudson's Bay Company Archives/1987/363-K-20/2.

Canadian Arctic Expedition

1913AD

1900–1950

A team of scientists with the Canadian Arctic Expedition (1913-18) travels extensively in what is now the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. Inuvialuit and Inupiat recruited as guides, hunters, interpreters, seamstresses and for other duties share their knowledge of the natural and human history of the area.

Inupiat and Inuvialuit families of members of the Canadian Arctic Expedition. The women in this 1917 photograph are (left to right) Pannigabluk, Jennie Thomsen and Elvina Storkersen and their children. The Canadian Arctic Expedition’s leader, Viljhalmur Stefansson, developed a relationship with Pannigabluk during an earlier expedition and together they had a son, Alex, shown at the left in the photograph. Jennie Thomsen and Elvina Storkerson were married to two other members of the expedition. Photo credit: John Handley/Canadian Museum of Civilization/CAE 57024.

HBC Posts at Qikiqtaruk and Utqaluk

1915AD

1900–1950

Inuvialuit trade actively at new Hudson's Bay Company fur trading posts established at Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island in 1915 and Utqaluk/Baillie Island in 1916.

Several Inuvialuit-owned schooners moored near the Hudson's Bay Company post at Utqaluk/Baillie Island circa 1925. Inuvialuit travelled by schooner between trading posts and their trapping grounds. Photo credit: Danish National Museum/Fifth Thule Expedition Negative 2176.

Uummarmiut and Sallirmiut Items Collected For Museum of the American Indian

1917AD

1900–1950

Sallirmiut and Uummarmiut sell clothing, tools and other items to Donald Cadzow, a representative of the Museum of the American Indian in Washington. These belongings become the Cadzow Collection.

This photograph taken in 1917 shows an Inuvialuk man in a kayak checking a fish net. This may be a kayak in the Cadzow Collection. Photo credit: Donald Cadzow/National Museum of the American Indian/ N02018.

Victoria Island Preserve

1918AD

1900–1950

Victoria Island is set aside as a game preserve for the exclusive use of Inuit for hunting and trapping. Within a decade the preserve was expanded to include all of the Arctic Islands and the mainland coast to the north and east of Bathurst Inlet.

This map shows the area covered by the Arctic Island Preserve in 1926. Photo credit: Library and Archives Canada.

Aktlarvik Anglican Mission & School

1919AD

1900–1950

The Anglican church opens a mission and day school for local children in Aktlarvik.

Gathering at Anglican Church, Aktlarvik. This photograph shows people and clergy at the Anglican Church in Aktlarvik, date unknown (possibly 1920s). Photo credit: Martha Harry Collection/Inuvialuit Digital Library.

Treaty 11

1921AD

1900–1950

In 1921 the Government of Canada, acting on behalf of the Crown, and most Dene groups in the Mackenzie Valley signed Treaty 11. In return for Dene surrendering their rights to land, the Government was to make payments each year of twenty-five dollars per chief, fifteen dollars per headman, and five dollars per person.

A Treaty 11 medal. Each chief was given one of these medals to commemorate the signing of the treaty. Photo credit: eMedals.com

Trading Post at Walker Bay

1923AD

1900–1950

In 1932 the trading post at Walker Bay was relocated to Holman [Ulukhaqtuuq].

Trading post at Walker Bay, Victoria Island, Fall 1933.’ (Mrs. Peter Sydney/Library and Archives Canada/C38543).

Canalaska Trading Company

1925AD

1900–1950

The Canalaska Trading Company was established in 1925 by Theodore Pederson, who previously had worked as captain of a whaling ship. Canalaska trading posts were established on Herschel Island and at Walker Bay on Victoria Island. Patterson also traded with Inuvialuit trappers from the several schooners that he owned and operated, which are remembered as a ‘floating store’. He also brought schooners north for Inuvialuit who were engaged in the fur trade. The Canalaska Trading Company was acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1936.

“Patterson in from San Francisco with the schooner ‘North Star [of Herschel Island]’ on board. Herschel Island [Qikiqtaryuk] Summer 1935”. Photo credit: Mrs. Peter Sydney Collection/Library and Archives Canada/PA 02764.

Aklavik Catholic Mission & School

1926AD

1900–1950

The Roman Catholic Church opens its first mission and residential school in Inuvialuit Nunangat in Aktlarvik.

Students and clergy Roman Catholic mission in Aktlarvik. This undated photograph shows Oblate Fathers, Grey Nuns and pupils at the Roman Catholic mission in Aktlarvik. Photo credit: Chief Junius School/NWT Archives/N-1992-171: 0007.

Reverend Thomas Umoak Ordained

1927AD

1900–1950

Inuvialuk Thomas Umoak (Umauq) is ordained as an Anglican deacon. He worked in service of the church for many decades throughout the region.

Reverend Thomas Umoak. Reverend Thomas Umauq at Single Point in 1940. Photo credit: Bishop Archibald Fleming/NWT Archives/N-1979-050-0532.

Banks Island Fox Trapping

1928AD

1900–1950

Lennie Inglangasak, Adam Inuałuuyaq and David Bernhardt (‘Piqtuqan’) and their families travel to Banks Island by schooners to over-winter and usher in a lucrative fox-trapping era for Inuvialuit trappers.

The Lennie Inglangasak family. This photograph, taken in the 1930s, shows Lennie Inglangasak, his wife Sarah and their children. Lennie is holding Sam, in front of Sarah is Alberta, Persis is holding Winnie. Photo credit: Pierre Duchaussois fonds/NWT Archives/N-1990-026: 0002.

Treaty Declined

1929AD

1950–1983

Oswald Finnie, the director of the NWT and Yukon branch of the Government of Canada, travelled the Mackenzie River in the 1920s inviting Inuvialuit to enter a treaty with the government. In 1929, community leaders in Aktlarvik told him that Inuvialuit did not want a treaty like the Dene had. Instead ot the government paying everyone five dollars they said it would be better for the government to 'feed those who are in misery, the widows, the blind, the sick.' (Bob Cockney, 'I, Nuligak' 1966, p. 163).

Inuvialuit who met with Finnie in Tuktuuyaqtuuq in 1925 to discuss a possible treaty. Photo credit: O.S. Finnie collection/Library and Archives Canada/PA-100558.

Shingle Point Anglican School

1929AD

1900–1950

The Anglican Church opens a residential school at Shingle Point.

Shingle Point Anglican School staff and students. This photograph shows staff and students at Shingle Point School when it opened in 1929. The school had 17 children in residence and six attending as day students. Inuvialuit employees Thomas Umoak is standing at the back, and Garret Nutik is standing in the door. Teacher Bessie Quirt is seen at the right. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Cultural Resource Centre/Shepherd Collection 35.

Reindeer Herded From Alaska

1935AD

1900–1950

Arrival of a domestic reindeer herd in the Mackenzie Delta, after Inuvialuit requests to government for help due to the scarcity of caribou. Decades of Inuvialuit reindeer herding follow.

The reindeer herd arrives in the Delta. This photograph shows the reindeer herd arriving in the Delta, 1935. Photo credit: R. Terpening/NWT Archives/N-1987-030-0464.

Paulatuuq Catholic Mission

1935AD

1900–1950

Paulatuuq Catholic Church mission opens.

Bishop Pierre Fallize and an unidentified Inuvialuk in front of Our Lady of Lourdes Mission in Paulatuuq circa 1935. Photo credit: Provincial Archives of Alberta/OB.09614.

Baillie Island Move

1939AD

1900–1950

Utqaluk/Baillie Island is abandoned due to frequent flooding of the sandspit where a HBC trading post and Inuvialuit community are located; much of the population relocates to Tuktuuyaqtuuq.

Baillie Island during a storm, 1929. Photo credit: R. C. Diocese Archives/L. T. Burwash.

Ulukhaqtuuq HBC Post

1939AD

1900–1950

The HBC post established near present-day Ulukhaqtuuq, attracting local Inuinnait, and Inuvialuit trappers from further west.

Ulukhaqtuuq Hudson's Bay Company post at King Point. This photograph shows The Hudson’s Bay Company trading post at King Point near the present-day location of Ulukhaqtuuq in 1939. Photo credit: H. Tardy/NWT Archives/N-1989-028-0019.

Disk Numbers Imposed

1941AD

1900–1950

The Government of Canada begins issuing personal identification numbers to all Inuit in Canada. Each person receives a disc with their number stamped on it and is expected to wear it at all times.

Disc #W3-803, issued to the late Emma Gruben of Tuktuuyaqtuuq. Photo credit: PWNHC/Accession #2004.5.072.

CHAK Radio Launches in Aktlarvik

1947AD

1900–1950

Local community radio station CHAK is launched in Aktlarvik.

Launching radio station CHAK in Aktlarvik. Photo credit: unknown.

Aktlarvik Day School

1949AD

1900–1950

A Federal Day School opens in Aktlarvik.

Aktlarvik Day School. This photograph shows the Federal Day School in Aklavik / Akltarvik, circa 1950. Photo credit: Terrence Hunt/NWT Archives/N-1979-062-0081.

Inuuvik Built

1954AD

1950–1995

Inuuvik/Inuvik, initially called East-3, is built as a government centre between 1954 and 1958. The federal government felt Aktlarvik could not serve as the centre because of frequent flooding. They wanted Aktlarvik residents to re-locate, but residents posted a 'never say die' sign on the airstrip, and many refused to move.

Sam Arey uses a steam point to make a hole in the permafrost for a log piling, 1956. Photo credit: Curtis Merill/NWT Archives N-1992-192: 0199.

DEW Line Construction Begins

1955AD

1950–1995

The Government of Canada partners with the US to build the Distant Early Warning Line radar installations across the Arctic to detect Soviet missiles. Eight facilities were eventually built in Inuvialuit territory at Cape Parry, Shingle Point, Tuktuuyaqtuuq, and other locations, offering some building and training opportunities to Inuvialuit.

Children at Tuktuuyaqtuuq in 1966 with the ‘BAR 3’ DEW Line site in the background. Left to right: Karen Gruben, Audrey Norberg, Eileen Pokiak, July 1966. Photo credit: Missionary Oblates, Grandin Archives at the Provincial Archives of Alberta, OB.22074.

Ikaahuk Trading Post Opens

1958AD

1950–1995

Fred Carpenter opens an independent trading post at Ikahuuk (Sachs Harbour).

Ikahuuk, 1958. This photograph taken in Ikahuuk 17 September 1958 shows the houses of Frank and Fred Carpenter with "North Star of Herschel Island" schooner approaching the beach. Photo credit: Robert C. Knights/NWT Archives/N-1993-002: 0300.

Inuuvik Residential Schools Open

1959AD

1950–1995

Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, originally named Inuvik Federal School, opens in Inuuvik with two residences: Stringer Hall (Anglican Church) and Grollier Hall (Catholic Church). Stringer Hall student residence closed in 1975; Grollier Hall, the last residential school in Inuvialuit territory, closed in 1997. 

1958. Boys line up for a race outside Grollier Hall (under construction), the hostel run by the Catholic Church. Photo credit: unknown.

CHAK Radio Launches in Inuuvik

1960AD

1950–1983

CHAK Radio, launched in 1947 in Aktlarvik, relocates to Inuuvik and becomes part of CNC Northern Radio Service, offering Inuvialuktun content.

Nellie Cournoyea, station manager, and Edward Lennie, announcer, in the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) studio, Inuuvik, NWT, 1970. Photo credit: Wilkinson Collection/NWT Archives/N-1979-051: 0464s.

Holman Cooperative Founded

1961AD

1950–1995

Founding of Holman (later Ulukhaqtuuq) Eskimo Cooperative. The Co-op was established to bring economic benefits through the production and sale of craft items, including sewn items and graphic art.

Jimmy Memogana preparing a stone block. This photograph shows Jimmy Memogana working on a limestone block for a stone-cut print of one of Helen Kalvak’s drawings at the Holman Eskimo Co-op print shop, Ulukhaqtuuq, early 1960s. Photo credit: Holman Photohistorical Society/NWT Archives/N1982-003: 0019.

Holman Craft Shop Opens

1961AD

1950–1995

Interior of the Holman (later Ulukhaqtuuq) Eskimo Cooperative craft shop.

Photo credit: Native Press/NWT Archives/N-2018:010: 3.

Ikaahuk Mission Open

1962AD

1950–1995

The Roman Catholic church established a mission in Ikaahuuk in 1962. A building that housed the church and the mission residence was erected in 1965.

Peter Usher and Mike Church standing on the porch of the mission building at Sachs Harbour [Ikaahuuk], 1966. Photo credit: Peter Usher. NWT Archives/N-2011-002: 0531

Ulukhaqtuuq Moves to King's Bay

1965AD

1950–1995

Ulukhaqtuuq (Holman) moves from Queen's Bay to King's Bay, the present location.

Pulling the HBC store building across King's Bay, 1966. The snowmobile on the left of the photo belonged to Father Tardy and was one of the first at Holman. Photo by Father Tardy. Courtesy of the Holman Community Education Council.

First Inuvialuk on the Council of the Northwest Territories

1965AD

1950–1983

At this time, the Northwest Territories is administered by the Council of the Northwest Territories, led by the Commissioner. Abraham Okpik, originally from Aktlarvik, is appointed in 1965, making him the first Inuk Council Member.

Meeting of the Council of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, February 1965. Abraham Okpik is standing, third from left. Photo credit: NWT Archives/G-1979-014-0098.

Paulatuuq Co-op Opens Trading Post

1967AD

1950–1995

Paulatuuq Cooperative Association opens a trading post at Paulatuk.

Garrett Ruben at the Paulatuuq Co-op store (date unknown). Photo credit: Garrett Ruben.

First Imperial Oil Discovery

1969AD

1950–1995

Imperial Oil makes the first discovery of oil in the Beaufort-Delta region at Atkinson Point.

Drilling rig at Point Atkinson. This photograph shows the Imperial Oil Ltd. drilling rig at Atkinson Point, 1970. Photo credit: Imperial Oil Ltd/Glenbow Museum and Archives IP-7a-1.

COPE Formed

1970AD

1950–1995

Nellie Cournoyea and Agnes Semmler establish the Committee for Original Peoples Entitlement (COPE) ‘[t]o work for the establishment and the recognition of the special rights of the original people’. COPE was formed in response to the alarm felt by Indigenous northerners about their lack of rights in the face of oil and gas and other development. Soon after, Dene and Métis members withdrew to pursue their own claims, leaving COPE to represent 2500 Inuvialuit.

COPE's objectives. The Committee for Original Peoples Entitlement established eight main objectives when it was established as a Society in 1970. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Tuktuuyaqtuuq Becomes Hamlet

1970AD

1950–1995

Tuktuuyaqtuuq/Tuktoyaktuk is the first community in the Northwest Territories to gain status as a Hamlet, giving more authority for decision-making and providing services to the community.

Tuktoyaktuk Hamlet's insignia. Photo credit: Tuktoyaktuk Hamlet.

Tuk Radio Goes on the Air (CFCT)

1970AD

1950–1983

‘Tuk Radio’ goes on the air, providing local news, weather, childrens’ programs, programs for adults, and a ‘request show’. Father Le Meur hosts the ‘Eskimo Program’, consisting of drum songs, legends, and people’s life histories and experiences, mostly told in Inuvialuktun. He records them around the community and replays them with commentary and English translations.

Father Robert Le Meur standing in front of CFCT radio station, circa 1970. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Abe Okpik Heads Up Project Surname

1970AD

1950–1983

Abe Okpik, whose disk number was W3-554, is hired in 1969 to head up 'Project Surname' to replace the disc system with government-issued birth certificates. Over the next several years he travels extensively, helping people to select family names (’surnames’) that will go on their birth certificates. Project Surname is completed in 1972, and the government stops issuing disc numbers.

Cover of the information booklet on 'Project Surname'. Photo credit: NWT Archives/G-1992-048.

Berger Commission Begins

1974AD

1950–1995

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry: Berger Commission. Thomas Berger listened to the testimony of Indigenous communities throughout the proposed pipeline corridor, documenting their concerns about potential impacts to their lands, waters, and livelihoods. 

Berger Commission meeting in Paulatuuq. This photograph shows Thomas Berger holding a meeting in Paulatuuq in 1976 to hear concerns with oil production in the Beaufort Sea. Photo credit: Michael Jackson.

First Inuit Circumpolar Council

1977AD

1950–1995

The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is a multinational non-government organization whose goals are to strengthen ties between Arctic people and to promote human, cultural, political and environmental rights and policies at the international level. The first meeting was in Barrow, Alaska. 

Inuit Circumpolar Council Logo. Photo credit: Inuit Circumpolar Council.

Berger Report Released

1977AD

1950–1995

'Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland: The Report of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry' was released. It suggested a 10-year moratorium on pipeline construction to settle land claims and create conservation areas.

In the report Thomas Berger wrote: “The North is a frontier, but it is a homeland too, the homeland of the Dene, Inuit and Metis, as it is also the home of the white people who live there. And it is a heritage, a unique environment that we are called upon to preserve for all Canadians.” Photo credit: Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland - Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry - Vol. 1, 1977, p. vii.

COPE Submits Land Claim Proposal

1977AD

1950–1995

COPE completes their proposal to negotiate a land claims agreement, titled 'Inuvialuit Nunangat', 'Homeland of the Inuvialuit’.

Submitting the COPE Proposal. This photograph show a COPE delegation submitting the Inuvialuit land claim proposal, Inuvialuit Nunangat, to the Government of Canada, March 13, 1977 . L-R: Andy Carpenter, unidentified, Peter Green, Sam Raddi (President, COPE), Warren Allmand (Minister, Indian Affairs and Northern Development), unidentified, unidentified, Mark Noksana. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Inuvialuit Communications Society Established

1978AD

1950–1995

The Inuvialuit Communications Society was established by the Committee for Original Peoples Entitlement (COPE) to improve communications on COPE's activities, including the negotiations on the land claim.

Guy Hologak reading Inuvialuit magazine in 1983. The magazine has since been re-named Tusayaaksat. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Nellie Cournoyea Elected MLA

1979AD

1950–1995

Nellie Cournoyea is elected as MLA for Inuvialuit riding of Nunakput. She promotes understanding of the Inuvialuit land claims within governments.

MLA Nellie Cournoyea speaking with John Parker, Commissioner of the NWT. Photo credit: Native Press, February 13, 1981, pg. 6. Tom Ross/NWT Archives/N-2018-010: 07997.

PWNHC Opens

1979AD

1950–1995

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre opens in Yellowknife as a museum and archives that manages collections of belongings and archival materials related to the Northwest Territories.

Students from Inualthuyak School in Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to view their ancestors' belongings in 2015. L-R: Casydie Lucas, Agnes Amos, Jasmine Keogak. Photo credit: Lisa Hodgetts.

IFA Approved

1984AD

1950–1995

Inuvialuit communities vote to approve the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, and it is signed into Canadian law. COPE President Peter Green states: “This vote shows that the Inuvialuit fully support the Final Agreement. The basic aims of the claim – land, wildlife, and financial compensation – are what the Inuvialuit asked COPE to negotiate on their behalf eight years ago. Their approval of the Agreement confirms that this has been achieved. All six Inuvialuit communities showed that they are solidly behind this Agreement.

Inuvialuit approve the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. This photograph shows Peter Green, President of Cope, holding the Inuvialuit Final Agreement signature page, June 5, 1984. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Inuvialuit Settlement Region Created

1984AD

1950–1995

The IFA defines the boundaries of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and establishes the rights and responsibilities of Inuvialuit. It creates the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) and Inuvialuit Social Development Program (ISDP) to oversee economic and social development for the region, and six community corporations to administer to the residents of Ikaahuk, Ulukhaqtuuq, Paulatuuq,Tuktuuyaqtuuq, Inuuvik, and Aktlarvik.

The Inuvialuit Settlement Region. This map shows the boundaries of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the six Inuvialuit communities.

Gyrfalcon Logo Adopted

1984AD

1950–1995

The gyrfalcon depicted in the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation's logo is the most northerly of falcons. When the Inuvialuit began their land claim negotiations the gyrfalcon was beginning to recover from being an endangered species. It symbolizes a period of Inuvialuit regeneration and renewal.

Les Carpenter Elected IRC Chair

1984AD

1950–1995

A lifelong Inuvialuit rights activist, Les Carpenter was the first elected 'Chief Regional Councilor' of IRC. The title of this position later was changed to Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

Les Carpenter, IRC Chair, 1984. Les Carpenter is shown in this screenshot from a 1991 Tamapta program. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Roger Gruben Elected IRC Chair

1984AD

1950–1995

Roger Gruben is elected the second Chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Roger Gruben, IRC Chair 1984 - 1994. Roger Gruben is shown in this screenshot from a 1991 Tamapta program. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

IRC Corporate Centre Opens

1988AD

1950–1995

The Inuvialuit Corporate Centre is built to house the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and other agencies established under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. 

IRC Chief Regional Councilor Roger Gruben and COPE founding President Agnes Semmler and others at the opening of the Inuvialuit Corporate Centre in Inuuvik, 1988. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Nellie Cournoyea Elected Premier

1991AD

1950–1995

Nellie Cournoyea is elected Premier of the Northwest Territories. She steps away in 1995 to become Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Nellie Cournoyea, Premier of the Northwest Territories. This photograph shows the swearing in of Nellie Cournoyea as Premier of the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1991. Photo credit: Tessa MacIntosh/Department of Public Works and Services/NWT Archives/G-1995-001: 7193.

Bowhead Whale Hunt Revitalized

1991AD

1950–1995

The Inuvialuit Game Council assists in the creation of the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, which provides a process for the Aktlarvik Hunters and Trappers Committee to continue their ancestral tradition of harvesting bowhead whales.

Bowhead whale hunt, Shingle Point, 1991. L-R: Captain Danny A. Gordon, Harpooner Titus Allen and Billie Archie. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Nunavut Land Claim Signed

1993AD

1950–1995

Inuit beneficiaries vote to accept the Nunavut Land Claim, setting the groundwork for the creation of the territory of Nunavut.

Photo credit: Nunavut Land Claim Agreement cover.

Robert Kuptana Elected IRC Chair

1994AD

1950–1995

Robert Kuptana, a COPE negotiator, becomes Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Robert Kuptana, IRC Chair 1994–1995. Robert Kuptana is shown in this screenshot from a 2000 Suaangan program. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Communications Society.

Nellie Cournoyea Elected IRC Chair

1995AD

1950–1995

Nellie Cournoyea becomes Chair and CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Commemorative stamp of Nellie Cournoyea

Rosemarie Kuptana Becomes ICC President

1995AD

1950–1995

Rosemarie Kuptana, of Ulukhaqtuuq, becomes President of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (now the Inuit Circumpolar Council).

Rosemarie Kuptana, Inuit Circumpolar Council President, 1995. Photograph of Rosemarie Kuptana. Photo credit: Acheton.com

Grollier Hall Closes

1996

1950–1999

Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in Inuuvik opened in 1959 with two residences for students from outlying communities. Stringer Hall was operated by the Anglican Church and closed in 1975. Grollier Hall was run the Roman Catholic Church until 1987, when it was taken over by the Government of the Northwest Territories until they closed it in 1996.

A jacket patch from Grollier Hall hostel in Inuuvik. Photo credit: Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Accession No. 2017.006.037.

Ikhil Natural Gas Well

1997AD

1950-1999

Drilling the Ikhil natural gas well in 1997, with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation flag at the top. Photo credit: Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Division of NWT to Form Nunavut

1999AD

1950-1999

The territory of Nunavut is created out of the eastern portion of the Northwest Territories.

The inuksuk on the Flag of Nunavut symbolizes stone monuments which guide people on the land, and also marks sacred and other special places. The star is the Niqirtsuituq (North Star), the traditional guide for navigation. The North Star is also symbolic of the leadership of the Elders in the community. Photo credit: Nick Newberry Collection/Government of Nunavut.

Alexander Mackenzie

1792AD

1950–1983

Abe Okpik, whose disk number was W3-554, is hired in 1969 to head up 'Project Surname' to replace the disc system with government-issued birth certificates. Over the next several years he travels extensively, helping people to select family names (’surnames’) that will go on their birth certificates. Project Surname is completed in 1972, and the government stops issuing disc numbers.

Cover of the information booklet on 'Project Surname'. Source: NWT Archives/G-1992-048.