(Photos courtesy of Denise Okheena, Ulukhaktok)
Arts, culture, traditional demonstrations, scenic tours and even the world’s most northern golf course were enjoyed by nearly 1,500 cruise ship passengers aboard four different cruise ships, as they explored the NWT community of Ulukhaktok and met the hamlet’s welcoming people.
The visitors were on board the MS Roald Amundsen, The World, L’Austral, and Le Boreal which made their way to the coastal community between September 4 – 11th.
Photo: The World cruise ship docked offshore in Ulukhaktok
The impact made by the community was profound.
“In a nutshell we had a FANTASTIC visit to Ulukhaktok,” wrote Dr. John W. Chardine, Chief Naturalist aboard the MS Roald Amundsen. “The hamlet looked smart and clean. The elders on the beach in their parkas, welcoming all the guests, were really great. It is the only community we visited that had enough guides.”
Likewise, Adam Walleyn, Expedition Leader on Le Boreal stated, “The visit was a complete success. We visited seven different communities during this trip and our staff and passengers felt this was the most authentic visit of them all.”
Shore-bound passengers, arrived via zodiac, and took in demonstrations of weaving, soapstone carving, arctic sports and print making. Arrays of locally-produced arts and crafts were available for sale; the most popular being smaller easily-packed items such as zipper pulls, key chains, jewelry, baby moccasins, and small carvings.
In turn, Inuvialuit drummers and dancers along with community elders boarded several of the ships to speak about their cultures and traditions and provide demonstrations.
Photo: Drummers and dancers prepare for a performance on board
Over $100,000 was spent in Ulukhaktok during the four cruise ship visits on guided experiences, craft sales, cultural performers, and administration fees to the Ulukhaktok Community Corporation.
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In anticipation of the cruise ships, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment worked with Ulukhaktok and other coastal communities to put logistics and infrastructure plans in place and build programs of activities, experiences and excursions.
The Department also held cruise ship readiness workshops, supported the development of necessary infrastructure and provided funding for arts and crafts materials to ensure inventories were ready for sale.
Photo: Elders on board a cruise ship
Cruise ship guests primarily come from Canada, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and France.
Photo: Elders travelling from shore to cruise ship via zodiac
Ships travelling to the NWT are required to have a Tourism Operator License and must get Inuvialuit Land Administration and Environmental Impact Screening Committee approval.