Coppermine, Kugluktuk
Nestled at the
mouth of the Coppermine River in Canada's Nunavut territory, Kugluktuk, formerly
known as Coppermine, is a small hamlet
steeped in history and Inuit culture. The community's traditional language is Inuinnaqtun, reflecting
the deep connection the Inuit people have
with this land. The surrounding Coronation Gulf and nearby Victoria
Island add to the area's natural beauty. The name itself, Coppermine, hints at the
area's mineral wealth, with copper ores lining the Coppermine
River.
This historic waterway is a major draw for visitors, offering
opportunities for exploration, heritage discovery, and outdoor recreation. Adventurous souls can trace the footsteps of
the Copper Inuit and early explorers who
used the Coppermine River as a historic route into
the Arctic. The river itself is a haven for wildlife,
with muskoxen, caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears calling this region
home. Evidence of
past inhabitants can be found along the riverbanks, with ancient archaeological
sites including stone tent rings, food caches, hunting blinds, and even game
funneling systems constructed from cairns.