The Misleading Name Of Igloolik

Despite the name, Igloolik was never named after a snow house. It actually translates to there is a house here, referring to the traditional sod structures once built by the local Inuit.

Many people incorrectly assume the town is named for the iconic ice igloos famous in pop culture. In reality, the name honors the sturdy, earthen sod homes that sheltered the Iglulingmiut people for generations. It is also a common geographical myth that the hamlet sits on the mainland, when it is actually located on a separate island. This remote community remains a vital center for Inuit tradition and culture in the high Arctic.