Oh Canada!
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Human Geography of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut
Population
The population and density of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut are much higher than those of the Southern Arctic ecozone.
The Southern Arctic is one of the country's northernmost ecozones (it is third highest, below the Northern Arctic and the Arctic Cordillera). This means that, due to its latitude, the area is very cold, which tends to repel potential residents. This leaves the large (area-wise) ecozone with a very small population. The area and population of the ecozone then attribute to a miniscule density of around 0.02 people per square kilometre [16].
Rankin Inlet, on the other hand, has a very small area (around 120 square kilometres), and, compared to the rest of the ecozone, a large population (around 2300 people). As its area is so small and in comparison its population is so large, it has a high density.
The population of Rankin Inlet is 2 266, and the population density is 112 people per square kilometre.
Cultural Make-Up
The population of Rankin Inlet is very small, leaving little room for diversity. Like most of the Southern Arctic Ecozone, and Nunavut, Rankin Inlet's population is made up primarily of those who identify as First Nations; in this case, Inuit. The Inuit make up approximately 84% [20] of the population in this area.
Besides this large group, the rest of the population is composed of several small minorities; people who identify as Filipino, Arab, and Black. Of the total percentage of the population of minority groups, 50% of the people are Filipino, 30% are Black, and 20% are Arab (as shown to the left).
Ethnic Celebrations, Holidays, and Festivals
As the hamlet has a very small population, most celebrations and festivals are small events held within the community. Examples of these are many sporting events, such as hockey, badminton, and volleyball.
The community does, however, have an annual festival called Pakallak Tyme, which features many outdoor games and contests, like dogsled or skidoo races. In addition to this, Rankin Inlet also has an Annual Fishing Derby, which even attracts tourists from other communities.
Finally, there is the Kivalliq Trade show, which occurs in late September-early October [19], and attracts businesses from many other settlements in Nunavut. The show itself includes activities such as Snow Sculptures, Talent Shows, Concerts, Craft Sales, Dogsled and Snowmobile Races [21].
Besides those mentioned, the Inuit population is the main influence of other events that occur in Rankin Inlet. Examples of these are the One foot high kick, Two foot high kick, Arm Pull, Knuckle hop, Head pull, and Airplane [21].