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THE FIRST INUINNAIT IN CAMBRIDGE BAY
THE FIRST INUINNAIT IN CAMBRIDGE BAY
The PI/KHS investigated the earliest Inuit site in the whole region, located on the road just north of Cambridge Bay. The site contains several winter houses, as well as a qalgiq, or communal house, on top of the hill, where ancient Inuinnait held drum dances and community festivals.
The qalgiq served as an inspiration for the qalgiq reconstruction in the May Hakongak Cultural Centre in Cambridge Bay.
Working at the qalgiq (ceremonial house), next to the town road and Freshwater Creek. In the distance at the upper left is Cambridge Bay.
Inside the reconstructed qalgiq in the May Hakongak Cultural Centre.
Some of the ancient tools found at the site, including a harpoon head (A) a trace buckle from a dog harness (C), an arrowhead (F) and a sled shoe from the bottom of a sled runner (H).
Kids from town help to screen the soil for artifacts, during a summer camp excursion.
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