Plenty of colorful houses in Rankin Inlet!
Canada's Southern Arctic Ecozone is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the world. The total population, scattered in 17 communities, numbers only about 10 000 people Since 1991. Rankin Inlet is the largest centre, with a population in 1991 of 1 706.
The Inuit who have lived in the region for a thousand years or more, form over 80% of the regions population. They share a common heritage with only one language and several different dialects.
The Inuit who have lived in the region for a thousand years or more, form over 80% of the regions population. They share a common heritage with only one language and several different dialects.
INDEPENDANCE
Arctic communities feature a mixture of traditional and cash economies. Much of the local communities depends on a substance, hunting, trapping and fishing -- activities valued for their contributions to independance, self-esteem, tradition and a healthy lifestyle. Some residents are also involved in things like mining, oil and gas development, construction, services and goverment activities.
The arctic ecozones have 59% of Canada's estimated oil resources and 48% of potential gas resources, but there has been no substantial development since the 1980s. This is largely due to external factors, such as low crude oil prices and the global recession. Tourism is also significant to the economy, generating $11.8 million for arctic businesses in 1993.