Historical Timeline

Tidal Propagation Chesterfield Inlet, N.W.T. by W.P. Budgell, B.A.Sc., A Report Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Engineering, McMaster University, September, 1976

A field camp was set up at Sarvaqjuac, 40 km northeast of Chesterfield Inlet on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay. The camp was built in such a way that year-round aquatic research can be conducted. While much of the summer 1977 was devoted to construction of the facility, some research was carried out, Biennial report – 1976 – 78, Western Region, Fisheries and Marine Service, Department of Fisheries and the Environment, Edited by D.P. Scott, dated October 1981

Eskimo Fall – Winter 1980 – 81 (37th Year  N.S. No. 20) Published twice a year by the Diocese of Churchill – Hudson Bay noted an article script of Ayaruaq born 1907. His father, Uvineq, a medicine man and a fine hunter, had often worked for Scotch or American whalers that came each year, and that sometimes wintered at Fullerton or at Depot Island. From them he had received a sailing whaler.

The Iqalukpik Fish Plant in Chesterfield Inlet was constructed to spur fishery development in the area, not in response to a proven need (B. Threadkell, pers. comm.). In 1985, prior to plant operation, fish harvested from the Chesterfield Inlet area were flown by scheduled aircraft to the Issatik Fish Plant in Rankin Inlet for freezing (Keewatin Environmental Consulting Services Ltd. 1986). Fish quality was apparently good and the shipments were cost effective at a pre-negotiated rate of $0.36/kg. The plant was funded under the Economic Development  (EDA) and by GNWT Economic Development and Tourism, and built in 1985. The estimated cost was $180,000 but there was pressure to erect the plant quickly so materials were flown in on chartered aircraft, rather than barged from Churchill, and construction costs soared to $350,000 (B. Threadkell, pers. comm.)

The Chesterfield Inlet fish plant is small, with less then 90 m2 of floor space, and includes a blast freezer and a storage freezer which is capable of holding 4,500 kg of boxed fish (B. Threadkell, pers. comm). It was to be portable, with a stainless steel floor, but inspection regulations dictated that the floor must be cement so the plant was constructed on a cement pad. As a result, it is no longer portable and the cost of regular floor maintenance must be borne. Steel roof girders also add to inspection problems as they collect dust and condensation, promoting the growth of bacteria. The fish plant was first registered in the spring of 1989 (L. Penny, pers. comm.).

Prior to plant construction a feasibility study was conducted on the use of freezer-packer vessels to service Chesterfield Inlet fishery and delivery fish to the Rankin Inlet plant for processing (DPA Consulting Limited 1984). Costs associated with use of the vessels were estimated at $2.05/kg of charr ($0.93/lb) before allowing for amortization of the capital investments, so vessel purchase could not be justified.

A Presentation of Biological Data Gathered during the First Season of a Two-Season Test Fishery for Anadromous Arctic char conducted in Chesterfield Inlet area. Prepared by D. Milani, Keewatin Environmental Consulting Services Ltd. Rankin Inlet, NWT for Chesterfield Inlet, Northwest Territories

The opening of the Hamlet Office Complex, Presented to the People of Chesterfield Inlet on the occasion of the opening of the Hamlet Office Complex by John H. Parker, Commissioner, the Honourable Nick Sibbeston, Minister of Local Government, and the Honourable Tagak Curley, Minister of Economic Development & Tourism, June 9, 1985

On October 1st, the last of the Grey Nuns of the Ste. Therese Hospital of the Grey Nuns of Nicolet, Quebec leaves the tiny community of Chesterfield Inlet. “People could not believe we were actually leaving, “Sister Laurette Allard tells Nunatsiaq News from her new home in St. Boniface, Manitoba. “Before, another nun would always come to replace us when we left. This time, it was different. “The entire community turns out at the airport to say good-bye to Sister Laurette and Sister Denise Gauthier. These two elderly Grey Nuns are the last members of the religious order, which provided health and educational services to the region for 68 years, to serve the Kivalliq region.

Before the departure of the Grey Nuns of Ste. Therese’s Hospital following year local members of Elders, and co-workers/ family members or members of the community would visit staff working at the Ste. Therese’s Hospital including the Grey Nuns for a coffee/ tea with fresh bake bread or cookies serve on table regular basis during break peak hours on the main entrance lobby area or staff coffee room on the second floor. Members of staff and Elders or family members knew this was becoming the last moment of the Grey Nun’s to work at Ste. Therese’s Hospital or perhaps to depart the community of Chesterfield Inlet in any given month or year for the last daily moment of schedule to work with the Grey Nuns at the Ste. Therese’s Hospital that have provided services, education and training many years to community in the Kivalliq region including to the Nunavut abroad.

The Elders or members and co-workers knew this was becoming last moment of time with the Grey Nuns to provide services with local staff and members in the community who has provided services many years with dignity and pride. The members or Elders knew in any given month or year that the Grey Nun’s may perhaps leave Ste. Therese’s Hospital soon, which in part is a reason a number of Elders or members had visited staff, and the Grey Nuns on regular occasions during work hours at Ste. Therese’s Hospital for a coffee or tea during coffee breaks visits with staffs at the hospital with fresh bakes, or cookies serve on the table on daily basis at the coffee room, or the kitchen. This was part of their welcome, and pleased to have been part of the community to provide services many years, or attach to the importance with their time, and efforts to have worked and serve to the community many years on behalf of the community both the Elders, members including the Grey Nun’s of Nicolet Quebec.