Frequently Asked Questions 

Subjects:

• Climate and Seasons
• Information for Class presentation
• Language and Translation
• Questions about tourism and traveling North

What is the climate like in Kangiqsualujjuaq?

The climate varies from season to season like most places. George River rests on the tree line so we are fortunate to have beautiful seasons with more vegetation compared to most other villages in Nunavik. Windy days are common here. The mountains and trees help shield us but within our small community there isn't much protection. Snow, rain, dust, sleet can be difficult to bear when the wind picks up past 50 km per hour.

Many people ask if we have a summer and if it is warm during this season. It does get warm and the temperature can rise to a uncomfortable dry heat of 25 degrees Celsius. Yet often it is cooled by a northern cool breeze from Ungava Bay which helps control the mosquitoes and black flies that can be quite a nuisance. Many Inuit people wear shorts and t-shirts during these warmer season with loose bug jackets.

Some days are warm enough for many Inuit people to throw themselves in the spring water that pools at the old water point. The water is far from warm but soothing to those who cannot bear the heat of the north. It becomes a place of gathering for many Inuit youngsters during those wonderful summer days. A large group often collects there with as many bystanders as swimmers enjoying the fun.

Fall can be rainy and quite damp and cold. Some years are drier that others. The colours that the tundra paints is a wonderful sight. The vegetation is strikingly different from the south. What the tundra has to offer is often untouched and vast is its beauty.

Winter is especially welcomed by all northerners with everyone excited about skidooing. In the winter the temperature can dip to a raw -35º degrees Celsius and even lower with the wind chill factor. The warmest clothing sold on the market helps us survive the winter months. Most Inuit mothers work hard preparing homemade clothing for their family: down-filled parkas, caribou mitts, kamiks (seal skin boots), nassaks (crocheted hats) are very warm. A white blanket of snow covers the rocky tundra. Mountain sides are often exposed by aggressive winter winds.

Spring is a season of rebirth. The sun's heat melts the snow which motivates people in the community to spend much more time outdoors. The temperature rises enough to strip down the layers of winter clothing. Most days and nights are still very cold. An average of 0 degrees celsius is common. Our hats and mitts are still not ready to be stored away in our sheds.

Every season has its beauty and its delights. Experiencing the tundra and Inuit-life style can be fascinating for all.

Can you help me, I need information about the North for a class presentation next week?

If you need answers quickly, we suggest that you double check all our pages or try our Links page. If you still don't see the answer to your question, you might to give a phone call. See our phone number listed on our Contacting Us page.

Can you help me translate English words in Inuttitut?

If you are patient, write us an Email and we might be able to help you. Before you do that, try our Alphabet and Words pages.

I would like to visit your region, can you tell me how I can get there and what can I do around George River?

All questions relating to tourism should be sent to Alain Rochefort for the moment. He will answer your questions more rapidly than the school.