Paulatuk
Paulatuk is a charming
hamlet nestled in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories,
Canada. Located on the shores of Darnley Bay in the Amundsen Gulf, this
community boasts a rich history dating back to the 1920s when coal was
discovered in the area. Its name, Paulatuk, and its Siglitun
spelling, Paulatuuq, both reflect this history, translating to
"place of coal" in the Inuvialuit
language. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited for
over a millennium, with the Thule and Copper Inuit leaving their mark on this land.
Paulatuk offers a
unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can marvel at the Smoking Hills, a
captivating sight of a constantly burning coal seam on Cape Bathurst. For the
adventurous, a charter plane can whisk you away to Tuktut Nogait National Park, one of Canada's most secluded
national treasures. Here, you can paddle the Hornaday River, soaking in
the beauty of the park's canyons and La Roncière
Falls.
The local
store in Paulatuk is part of The North West
Company, catering to the needs of the community. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are
traditional economic activities, while art printmaking has emerged as a
significant contributor to the local economy in recent years. Culturally, the Paulatuk
Moonlight Dancers, a group of traditional Inuvialuit dancers, keep
the artistic heritage alive. Visitors can also experience the joy of
traditional games and drum dances during the celebration of the Arctic Char's
return.