Baker Lake
  • ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ
  • Qamani'tuaq
Hamlet
Baker Lake, 1995
Baker Lake, 1995
Official logo of Baker Lake
Logo
Baker Lake is located in Nunavut
Baker Lake
Baker Lake
Baker Lake is located in Canada
Baker Lake
Baker Lake
Coordinates: 64°19′10″N 096°01′15″W / 64.31944°N 96.02083°W / 64.31944; -96.02083[1]
CountryCanada
TerritoryNunavut
RegionKivalliq
Electoral districtBaker Lake
Government
[2][3]
 • TypeHamlet Council
 • MayorRichard Aksawnee
 • MLAsCraig Simailak
Area
 (2021)[4][5]
 • Total179.54 km2 (69.32 sq mi)
 • Population Centre1.56 km2 (0.60 sq mi)
Elevation
[6]
18 m (59 ft)
Population
 (2021)[4][5]
 • Total2,069
 • Density11.5/km2 (30/sq mi)
 • Population centre
1,653
 • Population centre density1,060/km2 (2,700/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−06:00 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−05:00 (CDT)
Canadian Postal code
X0C 0A0
Area code867
Websitewww.bakerlake.ca

Baker Lake (Inuktitut syllabics: ᖃᒪᓂᑦᑐᐊᖅ 'big lake joined by a river at both ends', Inuktitut: Qamani'tuaq 'where the river widens') is a hamlet in the Kivalliq Region, in Nunavut on mainland Canada. Located 320 km (200 mi) inland from Hudson Bay, it is near the nation's geographical centre, and is notable for being Nunavut's sole inland community. The hamlet is located at the mouth of the Thelon River on the shore of Baker Lake. The community was given its English name in 1761 from Captain William Christopher who named it after Sir William Baker, the 11th Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company.[7][8][9]

History

In 1916, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post at Baker Lake, followed by Anglican missionaries in 1927. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had been in the area for fifteen years before establishing a post at Baker Lake in 1930. In 1946 the population was 32, of which 25 were Inuit.[7] A small hospital was built in 1957, followed by a regional school the next year.[citation needed]

In 1979 the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Association and the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada (ITK) took the Canadian federal government to court for giving exploration licences to mining companies in areas where the Inuit hunt caribou. Judge Mahoney of the Federal Court of Canada, in Hamlet of Baker Lake v. Minister of Indian Affairs, recognized the existence of Aboriginal Title in Nunavut.[10]: 653 The plaintiffs were concerned that "government-licensed exploration companies were interfering with their aboriginal rights, specifically, their right to hunt caribou."[10]: 653 

Videos of elders sharing oral histories have been collected by Inuit students as part of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.[11]

Demographics

Federal census population history of Baker Lake
YearPop.±%
1976863—    
1981954+10.5%
19861,009+5.8%
19911,186+17.5%
19961,385+16.8%
20011,507+8.8%
20061,728+14.7%
20111,872+8.3%
20162,069+10.5%
20212,061−0.4%
Source: Statistics Canada
[4][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Baker Lake had a population of 2,061 living in 577 of its 661 total private dwellings, a change of -0.4% from its 2016 population of 2,069. With a land area of 179.54 km2 (69.32 sq mi), it had a population density of 11.5/km2 (29.7/sq mi) in 2021.[4]

Baker Lake is home to eleven Inuit groups:

Economy

Many of the town's residents work in the Meadowbank gold mine for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.[20] Much of the local infrastructure and logistics-related employment is based around aiding mineral exploration and mining efforts in the wider area. The main source of employment and growth in this sector is Canadian-based mining company Agnico Eagle Mines, which in 2010 began work at its Meadowbank mine site 110 km (68 mi) north of Baker Lake by road.[21][22] The construction of the mine employed over 1,000 workers, over 30% of them were locals from the general area of the Kivalliq Region. Along with employing local people, the company helped build cellphone towers to get the community connected to Northwestel's cellphone service. The coming of workers from all across Canada also helped developing tourism in this community. There is also potential for a uranium mine, called the Kiggavik Project, which is being proposed by Orano Canada.[23]

Geography

Climate

Baker Lake in autumn 2009

Baker Lake features a subarctic climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfc), bordering closely on a tundra climate, with short, cool summers and long, extremely cold winters. Winters run from October/November until April/May with temperatures averaging between −21 and −25 °C (−6 and −13 °F).[24] In contrast to Fairbanks, Alaska on a similar parallel, May is a subfreezing month and June is chilly considering the long hours of daylight.

Summers are usually cool, short and rainy; but can be hot and sometimes humid; with a record high of 33.6 °C (92.5 °F). Under the Nordenskjöld formula for distinguishing polar from non-polar climates, however, Baker Lake's climate is polar (Köppen ET) because with a coldest-month mean of −31.3 °C (−24.3 °F), the warmest-month mean would need be above 12.1 °C (53.8 °F) to keep Baker Lake out of the polar category, while Baker Lake's warmest-month mean is only 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) — the lack of trees at Baker Lake vindicates this judgement.[25]

Climate data for Baker Lake (Baker Lake Airport)
WMO ID: 71926; coordinates 64°17′56″N 96°04′40″W / 64.29889°N 96.07778°W / 64.29889; -96.07778 (Baker Lake Airport); elevation: 18.6 m (61 ft); 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1946–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex −2.0 −4.7 1.2 4.1 13.5 30.5 37.8 33.4 26.1 9.5 1.7 1.0 37.8
Record high °C (°F) −1.7
(28.9) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		1.5
(34.7) 		5.0
(41.0) 		16.2
(61.2) 		30.9
(87.6) 		33.6
(92.5) 		30.9
(87.6) 		24.2
(75.6) 		13.5
(56.3) 		2.2
(36.0) 		1.1
(34.0) 		33.6
(92.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −27.0
(−16.6) 		−27.1
(−16.8) 		−21.8
(−7.2) 		−12.5
(9.5) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		10.0
(50.0) 		17.5
(63.5) 		15.0
(59.0) 		6.8
(44.2) 		−3.1
(26.4) 		−14.6
(5.7) 		−22.2
(−8.0) 		−6.8
(19.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) −30.5
(−22.9) 		−30.7
(−23.3) 		−26.1
(−15.0) 		−17.0
(1.4) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		5.5
(41.9) 		12.1
(53.8) 		10.4
(50.7) 		3.4
(38.1) 		−6.1
(21.0) 		−18.4
(−1.1) 		−25.9
(−14.6) 		−10.8
(12.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −34.0
(−29.2) 		−34.2
(−29.6) 		−30.3
(−22.5) 		−21.5
(−6.7) 		−9.4
(15.1) 		1.0
(33.8) 		6.7
(44.1) 		5.9
(42.6) 		0.1
(32.2) 		−9.0
(15.8) 		−22.1
(−7.8) 		−29.5
(−21.1) 		−14.7
(5.6)
Record low °C (°F) −50.6
(−59.1) 		−50.0
(−58.0) 		−50.0
(−58.0) 		−41.1
(−42.0) 		−27.8
(−18.0) 		−13.9
(7.0) 		−1.7
(28.9) 		−3.4
(25.9) 		−14.4
(6.1) 		−30.6
(−23.1) 		−42.7
(−44.9) 		−45.6
(−50.1) 		−50.6
(−59.1)
Record low wind chill −72 −70 −66 −58 −42 −23 −6 −10 −23 −47 −59 −64 −72
Average precipitation mm (inches) 7.3
(0.29) 		6.0
(0.24) 		10.8
(0.43) 		12.5
(0.49) 		16.0
(0.63) 		21.5
(0.85) 		35.8
(1.41) 		48.5
(1.91) 		47.0
(1.85) 		25.1
(0.99) 		15.6
(0.61) 		11.7
(0.46) 		257.8
(10.16)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.00) 		4.8
(0.19) 		20.3
(0.80) 		41.1
(1.62) 		51.2
(2.02) 		40.6
(1.60) 		5.2
(0.20) 		0.1
(0.00) 		0.0
(0.0) 		163.4
(6.43)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 7.4
(2.9) 		8.8
(3.5) 		13.8
(5.4) 		16.0
(6.3) 		11.1
(4.4) 		2.6
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.9
(0.4) 		7.7
(3.0) 		24.4
(9.6) 		20.3
(8.0) 		13.5
(5.3) 		126.5
(49.8)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 7.4 5.8 8.2 6.6 7.2 8.0 8.6 11.6 11.5 12.8 10.3 9.1 107.1
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.3 6.8 9.4 12.2 10.4 2.4 0.0 0.0 43.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 5.8 6.8 7.8 7.3 6.1 1.5 0.0 0.2 4.1 11.6 10.3 8.4 70.0
Average relative humidity (%) 65.1 64.1 66.8 75.4 81.4 67.4 58.8 65.3 73.7 83.3 74.1 67.6 70.2
Mean monthly sunshine hours 29.8 97.6 178.4 233.7 194.0 284.2 327.0 199.6 90.1 54.2 43.8 16.1 1,748.3
Percent possible sunshine 17.7 41.0 49.2 51.7 33.9 45.2 53.5 39.2 22.9 17.8 22.3 12.0 33.9
Source: Environment Canada[24](rain/rain days, snow/snow days, humidex, wind chill, humidity 1981–2010)[26]

Wildlife

Baker Lake is host to a variety of wildlife including caribou, muskox, Arctic hares, wolves, wolverines, sik-siks, geese, and lake trout among others.[citation needed]

Arts and culture

Baker Lake is known for its Inuit art, such as wall hangings, basalt stone sculptures and stone cut prints. The community has been home to internationally exhibited artists such as Matthew Agigaaq, Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq, Luke Anguhadluq, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, David Ikutaq, Toona Iquliq, Janet Nungnik, Jessie Oonark, Ruth Qaulluaryuk, Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq, Simon Tookoome, Marion Tuu'luq, and Marie Kuunnuaq.[27][28]

The Jessie Oonark Arts and Crafts Centre, which opened in 1992, is a work area for the community's artists. It provides space for carving, print making, sewing and jewellery making. It is also home to Jessie Oonark Crafts Ltd. a subsidiary of the Nunavut Development Corporation, a Government of Nunavut crown corporation.[29][30]

Infrastructure

Transportation

The settlement is served by Baker Lake Airport, linking it to the nearby coastal town of Rankin Inlet, about 35 minutes away by air. Calm Air serves the town with at least two flights daily. Every day there are connecting flights to Winnipeg.

While the local road network does not connect to another community, there is an approximately 110 km (68 mi) all-weather gravel highway named Mine Road.[31] It runs north, from the town to the Meadowbank Gold Mine and aerodrome. It was proposed and completed around 2019 and is among the longest highways in Nunavut.[32][33] An 8 km (5.0 mi) road runs east from the townsite to the Geographic Centre of Canada monument.[34]

Broadband communications

The community has been served by the Qiniq network since 2005. Qiniq is a fixed wireless service to homes and businesses, connecting to the outside world via a satellite backbone. The Qiniq network is designed and operated by SSi Canada. In 2017, the network was upgraded to 4G LTE technology, and 2G-GSM for mobile voice.

Services

Baker Lake has a women's shelter, health centre (Baker Lake Health Centre), dental clinic, heritage centre, visitor's centre, counselling centre, elders' centre, three hotels (Baker Lake Lodge, Iglu Hotel and Nunamiut Lodge), swimming pool, library, primary and secondary school (Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School and Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School), and youth centre.

There are three churches in the community, Anglican (St. Aidan's), Catholic (St. Paul's) and Glad Tidings.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Baker Lake". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  2. ^ "Municipal Election Results 2019-2020" (PDF). Elections Nunavut. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  3. ^ "2021 General Election" (PDF). Elections Nunavut. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), Nunavut". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population Profile table Baker Lake, Nunavut [Population centre]". 6 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  6. ^ Elevation at airport. Canada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 16 July 2020 to 0901Z 10 September 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Sandy Lunan, Hudson's Bay Co. Factor, baking his own bread, Baker Lake, Northwest Territories, 1946". Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 17 March 2008.
  8. ^ "Hbc Heritage – Heritage Home". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  9. ^ Baker Lake history
  10. ^ a b Elliott, D. W. (1980). "Baker Lake and the Concept of Aboriginal Title". Osgoode Hall Law Journal. York University. 18 (4): 653–663. doi:10.60082/2817-5069.2034. S2CID 55184784.
  11. ^ "NTEP-Baker-Lake – home". Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  12. ^ "1981 Census of Canada: Census subdivisions in decreasing population order" (PDF). Statistics Canada. May 1992. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  13. ^ "1986 Census: Population - Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions" (PDF). Statistics Canada. September 1987. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  14. ^ "91 Census: Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions - Population and Dwelling Counts" (PDF). Statistics Canada. April 1992. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  15. ^ "96 Census: A National Overview - Population and Dwelling Counts" (PDF). Statistics Canada. April 1997. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Subdivisions (Municipalities), 2001 and 1996 Censuses - 100% Data (Nunavut)". Statistics Canada. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  17. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses - 100% data (Nunavut)". Statistics Canada. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  18. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses (Nunavut)". Statistics Canada. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Nunavut)". Statistics Canada. 8 February 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  20. ^ "NunatsiaqOnline 2010-06-20: NEWS: Mine's alchemy turns Nunavut poverty into hope". 21 June 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  21. ^ "The first gold produced on Inuit-owned lands". Agnico Eagle. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  22. ^ "Operations – Agnico Eagle Mines". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  23. ^ "AREVA Resources Canada – AREVA Group". Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  24. ^ a b "Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  25. ^ Nordenskjöld, Otto; Mecking, Ludwig; Antevs, Ernst; Hale, Marion (1928). "Chapter VI: The Delimitation of the Polar Regions, and the Natural Provinces of the Arctic and Antarctic". In Joerg, W. L. G. (ed.). The Geography of the Polar Regions, Consisting of A General Characterization of Polar Nature. Special Publication. Vol. 8. New York City: American Geographical Society. pp. 72–3. Bib_id 28009518. Retrieved 30 November 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  26. ^ "Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  27. ^ Artists and artwork represented at Spirit Wrestler Gallery, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  28. ^ Heller, J.; Heller, N. G. (2013). North American Women Artists of the Twentieth Century: A Biographical Dictionary. Routledge. ISBN 9781135638825.
  29. ^ "Jessie Oonark Crafts Ltd". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  30. ^ "Nunavut Development Corporation". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  31. ^ "Baker Lake, the tiny engine helping to power Meadowbank". 27 June 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  32. ^ "Worries mount over what busy mining road in Nunavut could mean for caribou migration". 29 August 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  33. ^ "Meadowbank Complex". Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  34. ^ "Geographical Centre of Canada". 27 March 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2023.

Further reading

  • Baker Lake Residents' Association, and Mary McCulloch. Baker Lake, N.W.T., 1870–1970. Baker Lake, N.W.T.: Baker Lake Residents' Association, 1971.
  • Kardosh, Judy. Works on Cloth Imagery by Artists of Baker Lake, Nunavut[permanent dead link]. Vancouver: Marion Scott Gallery, 2002. ISBN 0921634366
  • Klassen, R. A. Drift composition and glacial dispersal trains, Baker Lake area, District of Keewatin, northwest territories. Ottawa: Geological Survey of Canada, 1995. ISBN 0660160870
  • Krebs, Charles J. The Lemming Cycle at Baker Lake, Northwest Territories, During 1959–62. 1964.
  • Miller, A. R. Uranium Geology of the Eastern Baker Lake Basin, District of Keewatin, Northwest Territories. [Ottawa]: Energy, Mines, and Resources Canada, 1980. ISBN 0660107074
  • Renewable Resources Consulting Services. Study of the Effects of Resource Exploration and Development on Hunting and Trapping on the Traditional Economy of the Inuit in the Baker Lake Area. Edmonton: Renewable Resources Consulting Services, 1977.

External links

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