Inuvik

Inuvik, or Inuuvik, (meaning “living place”) is the regional centre and the location of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation’s main offices. The town is home to over half the people living in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region with a population of around 3,400.

Established in 1958, Inuvik was the first planned community above the Arctic Circle. It was built after the government decided a new administrative centre was needed because of flooding threats in nearby Aklavik. Although many Inuvialuit moved to Inuvik from the surrounding area, they still have strong family ties with other settlements throughout the Western Arctic and Alaska.

An important hub for more than just administrative activities, the town lies at the end of the Dempster Highway – an important connection that allows goods from the south to reach all the communities in the region. In the town, many residents still pursue traditional activities and look forward to going out on the land.