Amy Owingayak: Arviat Population

The Population of Arviat, Nunavut

1978 - 960 people

1981 - 1200 people

1986 - 1640 people

2001 - 1899 people

2008 - 2060 people

2009 - 2300+ people

There were not that many people living in Arviat in the 1970’s, however it is growing rapidly. Within 3 years (1978 -81), the population increased by 240. From 1981 - 1986, it has increased by 440 which is double the first one. From 2001 - 2008 it increased again by 161. Then from 2008 to 2009 it increased by 240 again as it did from 1978 - 1981. I have been hearing that Arviat has the highest rate for birthing, more young people are starting to have babies and families are growing bigger. There are not that many elders left, however there are more children.

I think it is important to keep our traditional way of living, especially when the population is growing so fast and more and more children need to be educated about the traditional ways. Who knows if many people still use the traditional way of living, for example, knowing how to survive on the land. It is important for all young people to know about their ancestors and relatives. The population is growing so fast that people may not even know who they are related to.