Press Releases
8 September 2000 - A Statement from Inuit of Nunavut
"Inuit elders from around the Nunavut territory have flown into Coral Harbour to take part in celebrations after the successful Bowhead Whale hunt.
"This was the third biennial hunt since the signing of the Nunavut land claim agreement in 1993. The Bowhead was taken only a day after getting the final approvals.
"The Coral Harbour community is very excited about landing this whale. Our celebrations will include a feast, dances and games.
"Hunters were operating out of a base camp near Expectation Point on Southampton Island, about 120km from Coral Harbour, when a whale from the Hudson-Foxe Basin population was harpooned and brought to shore.
"It has since been skinned and cut up for a territory-wide distribution of the muktaaq, raw whale skin. Muktaaq will be distributed to all of the territory's 26 communities.
"Ceremonies of thankfulness accompany the landing of this whale ¾ to show the greatest amount of respect to the whale and the Creator for the gift received, and to accord with Inuit tradition, great efforts are made to distribute the prized muktaaq to as many Inuit communities as possible.
"In the days leading up to the kill, spotters scanned the waters with binoculars, looking for any signs of Bowheads. Little water traffic was permitted while spotters were looking for whales and only when one was spotted were boats launched.
"As with all Canadian whale hunts, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans gave final inspection and approval of the whaling equipment. Canada is not a member of the International Whaling Commission.
"Two DFO officials remained with the hunters to ensure the hunt plan was being followed and to take scientific evidence once the whale was caught."
For more information, contact the Office of the 2nd Vice President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, PO Box 280, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut XOC OGO, Canada. Ph 001 867 645 5400 or e-mail wildlife@arctic.ca
For more information: Bowhead Whaling in Canada