Angulaalik – A Web Site Development Project
In 1990, staff and volunteers at the May Hakongak Community Library were determined to make the library more accessible to the local community. It was felt that more culturally relevant material, written in Inuinnaqtun, and more non-text materials should be available. The library developed some of its own materials through oral history project funding. Transcripts in English and Inuinnaqtun, historical photographs, and videos of Elders talking were made available through the library.
In 1995 the public library moved into Kiilinik High School combining with the school library. Public library staff and volunteers continued to develop oral history materials, which were distributed through the library. As a result of these efforts, during the period from 1990 to 1995, library statistical data showed that library use increased from an average of 300 people per month to 1,000. As this work became more important to the community, the KHS was formed and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1995.
Since 1995 the KHS has amassed a large collection of audio and video interviews, transcripts and other archival materials. Included in this collection is a considerable amount of information on fur trader Stephen Angulaalik and the people of Kuukyuak (Perry River).
In 1996 and 1998 the KHS traveled with the Kuukyuammiut back to their homeland. The first trip included nine Elders who were originally from Kuukyuak. The following year the camp was expanded to include Kuukyuammiut from Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven and Baker Lake – 13 Elders and a total camp size of 43 people.
Through this project we were able to construct a fairly detailed look at life in Kuukyuak. The project was followed up with research and additional interviews. It was clear from the interviews and the research that Stephen Angulalik, the Hudson’s Bay Company and the fur trade in general played a central role in the community.
Unfortunately access to this research, which includes sound archives, video archives, transcripts, reports, articles and photographs, is fairly limited. The KHS would be able to provide people with access to all of these various media forms through a web site. Through internet access in the new May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre, home computers and those in the schools and college, the web site could provide people with a rich source of historical and cultural information as well as critically needed Inuinnaqtun resources.
The web site will also provide Iqaluktuuttiarmiut with a way in which they can present their traditional knowledge, research, oral histories and other information as they would like it to be presented.