Data Point related to: CITY/TOWN
Aklavik
Aklavik, known in Inuvialuktun as Akłarvik, translates to 'barrenground grizzly place.' It stands as a hamlet within the Inuvik Region of Canada's Northwest Territories. Historically, up until 1961, Aklavik boasted a population exceeding 1,500 and held significance as the regional administrative hub for the territorial government. However, due to recurrent flooding, the government initiated the development of Inuvik, situated 63 km (39 mi) to the east. This new town was intended to entirely replace Aklavik, yet many residents persisted and sustained Aklavik's existence. As of 2018, the population had dwindled to 623, showcasing the community's resilience despite the challenges it faced.
History of Aklavik
In the early 1900s, Aklavik began its development with the establishment of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post in 1912 and later, a Roman Catholic mission in 1926. Positioned on the Peel Channel, it thrived as a transportation hub in the Mackenzie area, highly valued for its prime trapping grounds. Joining the Northwest Territories and Yukon Radio System in 1925, Aklavik's station, known as VEF, played a crucial role in communication for both locals and passing aircraft, even those without radios, marking their passage for record-keeping. The infamous arrival of Albert Johnson, the 'Mad Trapper of Rat River,' in 1931 led to a tragic confrontation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), sparking a 42-day manhunt. This event influenced the use of airplanes and communication radios for tracking individuals, leading to the establishment of museums dedicated to Johnson. Aklavik saw the launch of radio station 'CHAK' in December 1946, serving the Mackenzie River delta, while the Royal Canadian Navy operated a signals intelligence station until 1961 when operations shifted to Inuvik due to flooding concerns along the Peel Channel. Despite plans to close Aklavik in favor of the new community in Inuvik due to flooding, community members rallied together in the 1960s, spearheaded by A.J. (Moose) Kerr, the school's principal, successfully preserving and sustaining the town. The local school now bears his name, a testament to the community's resilience.
Type of Data Point - Basic Data Point - Source Wikipedia
Visit page of City/Town - Aklavik
Inserted: 04-01-2024 17:01:11
Questions related to this Data Point
How did the arrival of Albert Johnson impact Aklavik and the surrounding area?
How did the community of Aklavik manage to persist despite the challenges it faced, particularly concerning flooding and government plans?
What does the name "Aklavik" translate to in Inuvialuktun?
What historical events led to Aklavik's importance as a transportation hub?
What was the significance of the radio stations in Aklavik's history?
Why was Inuvik developed by the government, and how was it intended to affect Aklavik?
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Cities - Villages and Towns in Canada
Map of Northwest Territories
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Credits: Caveat Doctor, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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