History, Art & Culture

Gjoa Haven, located on King William Island, holds significant historical and cultural value, particularly for its Inuit heritage and role in Arctic exploration. Home to the Netsilik Inuit, the community has been inhabited for thousands of years and is known for its traditional skills in hunting, fishing, and navigating the Arctic.

Gjoa Haven gained international recognition when it served as the wintering site for Roald Amundsen and his crew during their 1903-1904 Northwest Passage expedition. The community still celebrates its connection to Amundsen's historic journey.

The town boasts a rich artistic tradition, with local Inuit artists creating stone carvings, prints, and crafts reflecting daily life, wildlife, and spiritual beliefs. Traditional crafts such as seal skin clothing and drums are still made using techniques passed down through generations.

Cultural events, including throat singing, drum dancing, and storytelling, are central to Gjoa Haven’s community life. These performances preserve Inuit traditions and engage younger generations. Cultural festivals celebrate this heritage, often attracting tourists, especially cruise ship visitors.