Although Canada’s vast space and multiple destinations, towns, cities, people, and diversity make it a renowned and desirable country, several individuals don’t know much about the provinces or territories.
With ten Canadian provinces and three territories, the country is a bundle of space and limelight. Infinite opportunities in terms of career, studies, vacation, and much more make it an interesting country to visit.
One of the several significant places is the Nunavut territory, which might not be known to several newcomers who tend to reside in bigger cities. However, what many people don’t know about Nunavut is that it does offer great job opportunities and a good standard of living. The territory is particularly renowned for its chilly weather, indigenous culture, and magnificent scenery.
Nunavut- all about its geography and people
Geographical aspects of Nunavut
The Nunavut territory is situated in Canada’s northeastern region. It is based on the northern side of the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba. The territory is also located in the east of Northwest territories. Nunavut comprises frozen arctic islands, including the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Archipelago. Several species, such as polar bears and caribou, live here and walk carefree.
The winter season is chilly, and the average climate temperature here is around 30°C. The summer season is pretty cool, between 5 and 15 Degrees Celsius.
People in Nunavut
The territory’s name Nunavut comes from the Inuktitut language, and it means “our land.” Its population consists of approximately 40,000, as reported through the 2016 Census in Canada. The northeastern territory includes Inuit individuals surrounding the Arctic Archipelago for about 4000 years and is also home to small communities with less than a thousand people living in each of them. For instance, Iqaluit, Baker Lake, and Arviat.
Iqaluit is Nunavut’s capital city and its location lies on Baffin Island. Immigrants or newcomers mostly choose to immigrate to Nunavut from the U.S, Philippines, and the U.K. Presently, only around a thousand individuals have immigrated to the territory as newcomers.
Nunavut- embracing the old culture
Nunavut separated officially from the Northwest Territories in 1999. It is a designated territory and a fairly new one that was created only to mark a clear difference for the Inuit category in Canada. The special place for the Inuit implies that they own land of their own and a life of their choice.
Inuit Culture prevalent in Nunavut
Inuit culture is predominant in Nunavut territory and the culture differs with each community. Industries associated with stones, carvings, prints, and weavings operate on a larger scale. The Inuit community revolves around traditional art and culture such as music, stories, and dancing.
Several games and art performances form a part of these communities such as the Alianait Arts, Rockin’ Walrus Art Festival, and Toonik Tyme festivals.
Despite the traditional set-up Nunavut continues to be a modern society.
The languages are spoken in Nunavut
Three main languages in Nunavut include English, French, and Inuktitut (mother tongue). Several people also prefer to speak English. However, several dialects form a part of the Inuktitut language. Northern Quebec speakers often choose to speak a different dialect called Inuktitut.
Nunavut as an Arctic land
The Nunavut territory embraces diversity at its best with majestic mountains, scenic tundra region, and extremely large lakes existing in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions. The climatic conditions might prove challenging for those navigating through the northern regions. You will not only experience the Inuit culture but also participate in outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and dog sledding.
Ambiance in Nunavut
Aurora Borealis refers to the northern lights with multiple colors flashing across the sky. The winter nights have a long duration, the lights continue to linger on through daylight as well. Inuit people refer to these northern lights as Aqsarniit. People are passionate about watching these northern lights from the space of frozen lakes.
Winter nights here are pretty long while the summer days are full of light. The capital city Iqaluit can have sunlit for 21 hours in one day. This phenomenon is rare and is known as the midnight sun.
Nunavut immigration for work purposes
Nunavut’s primary industries have much to do with resources and even include hunting, fishing, and trapping. Individuals residing in the Nunavut territory also financially assist themselves through selling art and craft. Mining is also an upcoming growing industry and several regions remain unexplored in the territory. Nunavut’s tourism is on the rise with many people seeking to discover natural beauty and culture.
Available jobs in Nunavut territory
Nunavut’s government acts as its employer. The required educational qualification includes a business administration or finance degree or diploma. Any other qualification the concerned subjects would also do.
Several career options are in-demand, including:
- Registered Nurses
- Construction Managers
- Human Resource Professionals
- Facility and maintenance managers
- Shippers and Receivers
- Janitors and Caretakers
- Bookkeepers
- Taxi Drivers
- Early Childhood Educators
- Conservation and Fishery Officers
- School Administrators
Immigration options for Nunavut
Several provinces and territories in the country have Provincial Nominee Programs for immigration but Nunavut doesn’t fall under this category. Immigration to Nunavut is possible through federal government programs such as Express Entry and Family Sponsorship.
Newcomers on immigration to Nunavut
Three profound resources to guide newcomers to Nunavut are Nunavut Public Library Services, Service Canada Iqaluit, and Carrefour Nunavut Guide for Newcomers.
Food expenditure in Nunavut
Food expenditure in Nunavut is high because of the food shipment procedure as it is bought from far away distance. A Canadian government program is also available for them to reduce the cost of health and fresh food, known as Nutrition North Canada.
A service called sealift is also available to ship non-perishable items during summers. Even international ingredients are accessible with this method along with another, that is the Air Cargo method. Country food includes whales, fish, seals, and caribou.
Ways to travel in Nunavut
The unavailability of strong road connectivity to Nunavut is probably the reason traveling between communities isn’t quite possible. Four cities that form a pathway to travel to Nunavut include Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Winnipeg. Public transport isn’t available here but few taxi services do exist in the smaller communities.
Newcomers do have the option to rent or lease transportation such as a car. However, the locals usually drive their own cars to other places.
Conclusion
The Tundra landscape, prolonged cultural traditions, and stories as well as the multi-light phenomenon make it an exceptionally inspiring place for visitors and immigrants. Nunavut for immigrants offers endless opportunities and greater adventures.