Aklavik, which means "place where one finds grizzly bear", is located on the Mackenzie River Delta about 120 km from Inuvik and just over 100 km south of the Arctic Coast. The only way to drive there is along the ice road in the winter. In the summer, you have to take a small plane or use a boat.
According to the town's website - www.aklavik.ca - "Aklavik is a peaceful fishing and trapping community of some 600 Gwich'in and Inuvialuit. Gwich'in and Inuvialuit have traditionally gathered here to trade for goods from as far away as the Pacific and Arctic coasts. From its earliest days, Aklavik has been a multi-ethnic town, home to Inuvialuit, Metis, Gwich'in and non-aboriginal cultures."
Aklavik used to be the administrative capital of the western Arctic. There is an interesting connection between Aklavik and Inuvik... because Aklavik is so flood prone and didn't allow much room for expansion (see map below), Inuvik was created as a brand new town by the federal government in 1953 as a replacement administrative capital. It was originally called "New Aklavik", before being renamed Inuvik.
The town is even ready for tourists - you can get your picture taken with the "Mad Trapper", who is buried in Aklavik!
The story of the Mad Trapper (Albert Johnson) is an interesting one, particularly because no one knows where he came from, or if he really sabotaged local trapping lines in 1931 as he was accused of. He became a fugitive after starting a shoot-out with the police, killing one RCMP officer and wounding others along the way, and was eventually killed on the Eagle River after a huge manhunt in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Below is a picture of the sign outside the local cemetery where Albert is buried.
Below is a picture of the sign outside the local cemetery where Albert is buried.
Some more pictures of the town:
The local Firehall.
A local house - log cabin style.
These folks are feeling lucky Irish!
We paid a visit to the local government office building, which houses the Hamlet office, government services offices, the community corporation office, as well as pre-school facilities (more photos of the cute kiddies in another post!).
Inside the Hamlet office - Aklavik celebrated their 100 year anniversary in 2010.
These posters were on the walls in the building - identifying different kinds of furs and how to prepare them. In this town, this is relevant information!
Also important information to know -- when the dentist is in town! In some communities, dentists only visit a few times a year, and there is a long waiting list. Some people can't wait for months until the next appointment, and end up solving their tooth problems themselves with a pair of plyers. Ouch!
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