Hall Beach

HALL BEACH, NUNAVUT

Hall Beach is located on the Foxe Basin’s eastern shore of the Melville Peninsula. Its Inuktitut name is Sanirajak, which means “the place along the coast”. It was established as a result of the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) system in 1957. Many Inuit moved to this area in the years following, although there is evidence to suggest that the area has been occupied since at least the 13th century. The community and nearby lake are named for Captain Hall, an American explorer who lived in the region in the mid-19th century. Inuit traditional culture and language remain strong today.

Hall Beach is known for two spectacular natural phenomenon: the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Sun Dogs. It also boasts of its excellent fishing, hunting and marine wildlife watching activities, particularly, its large walrus population. In recent years, tourism has become an important part of the local economy - with sport fishing for Arctic Char as a main attraction.

The Inuit hunt walrus for food, clothing, oil and many other products. Tusks are used to create the delicate “scrimshaw” carvings common to this region. Artists from this area include Joelie Siakuluk and Joelie Anguluinauk.