Traditional Place Names Program
For generations, Inuit knowledge of the land has been passed down through rich oral traditions. To ensure this knowledge is accessible and continues to thrive we have documented Inuit place names across the territory, integrating them into topographic maps.
Inuit place names hold a wealth of traditional knowledge. They describe important travel routes, hunting grounds, camping areas, currents, hazards, warnings, and events.
Our Goals
1) Document traditional place names across the territory;
2) Make this knowledge accessible by creating and distributing maps featuring traditional place names; and,
3) Work to make these names official through a process involving the Government of Nunavut’s Geographic Names Policy.
Traditional Place Names in Nunavut
While significant progress has been made in documenting traditional place names across Nunavut, we still have a journey ahead before they appear on all official maps. This stands in contrast to our neighbours in Greenland and Nunavik, where Inuit place names have long been recognized.
In the meantime, explore our map, "Nunavut, Where We Live and Travel" (2014 update). This map showcases the vast collection of traditional place names documented so far, which continues to grow and evolve.
Piliriqatigiinniq /
Ikajuqtigiinniq - Working Together for a Common Cause
IHT has worked closely with many Elders, Knowledge Holders, language experts, invidividuals, and organizations on this massive effort to preserve and restore Inuit traditional place names for future generations.
View Traditional Place Names
A selection of traditional place names and locations can be viewed on Google MyMaps by clicking the name of the community in the circle on the right.
Keep in mind these names are still being developed, many aren't official yet, and there may be errors.
Please contact us to access our most up to date place names data.
Nunavut Map Series
IHT's long term project has been working to produce paper maps for distribution to Nunavut communities.
You can access digital copies of the available maps using the links below. IHT can also print individual maps for you at a minimal cost. Please contact us to learn more.
Learn More About Our Current Projects
Acknowledgements
This vital work has benefited from the long-term financial support of the Government of Nunavut's Department of Culture and Heritage, along with contributions from a diverse range of organizations and individuals. These include the former Science Institute of the NWT (now the Nunavut Research Institute), the Nunavut Planning Commission, Indigenous Names Surveys (particularly for early work in Naujaat and Pangnirtung), the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office, and the Kitikmeot Heritage Society (Kitikmeot Atlas Project). Invaluable knowledge has also been shared by Elders and language experts from many communities.