The History of the Mikilaaq Centre in Arviat, Nunavut

In 1924, a small church that also served as residence was built on a esker along the west coast of the Hudson Bay, just north of the 60th parallel. A few years later the building was expanded and two other small adjoining constructions added. The Catholic priests served the people of Eskimo Point offering both religious and formal education. As the emerging community started to grow faster than expected, the buildings were moved a little further along the inlet, where the hamlet is presently situated. There the priests continued to minister and reach out to more people. Father Mikilar* started to welcome people in the back of the church for hot chocolate, movies and billiards. Sadly Mikilar had to leave the community in 1972 because of his health.

When a new church building was erected in 1982, everyone wondered what would happen to the old one. People of all denominations proudly told stories of their childhood in company of Mikilar. The building was given to the Hamlet Council who wanted to preserve it as a historical site and use it as a museum. For whatever reason their plans fell through and the building was eventually handed back to the diocese.

After reflection, it was agreed with Bishop Robidoux that the old church would be renovated respecting, as much as possible, the original structure. The building was rotated on the spot and moved some 100 feet away from the new church for fire hazard reasons. Renovations started. Once completed in the summer of 1990, people were asked through the local radio how to name the ‘new’ building. The answers were unanimous: The Mikilar Centre. (We took the new spelling with ‘q’ instead of the ‘r’). The only thing missing was a vocation for the Centre.

It did not take long to realize that Mikilar’s spirit was still very alive within the place. It’s like it had a life of its own. We didn’t even have to sort out what to do, people were coming to us with ideas, and things would just somehow start to happen without much thought put into it. Within months of the opening, it became a hang out place for children and teenagers. Soon, in collaboration with the school authorities and the Social Services, a tutorial program was offered for students at risk who needed a quiet and supportive environment to study. They were also involved in the preparation of a hot supper that they shared after finishing their homework and playing some games.

Eventually at the request of the staff at the Nursing Centre, concerned with the nutritional habits of many pregnant young ladies, another program was established. Instructors were hired to provide guidance for healthy nutrition and other practical aspects of motherhood, such as sewing and shopping.

Since it first opened its door, staff and volunteers at Mikilaaq Centre have been involved in many projects and programs in an effort to respond to the needs within the community: Cadets, summer employment and projects for kids, summer camps, water safety workshops, youth exchange and/travel experiences, the radio society, ski program, Youth Justice Committee, youth rallies, drop-in and a newsletter.

The Centre sponsored many of these activities and programs until other organizations or individuals were able to carry the load. Healthy Moms and Babies now has a building of their own and are fully supported by the Government. The Justice Committee (formerly the Youth Justice Committee) is running well under strong and competent leadership. The Cadets and the radio society are also functioning under new indepedent leadersship. The Alliance Church and the Health Committee have run summer camps for the last few years with Shirley Tagalik as a strong force behind the initiatives. The ski program and the equipment for summer camps are now under the auspice of the recreation’s department at the Hamlet Council. Both schools now run after hours activities and provide a breakfast and soup program.

Although not always obvious, we have tried to remain faithful to the Spirit of God and follow wherever it leads us. Over the years, we have discerned and responded to the signs of the times to the best of our abilities. Although outreach to the community at large remains an important aspect of our mission, within the last few years we have seen more and more of our time and energy go towards the preparation of adult religious education materials.

Mikilar or Mikilaaq means the small one. Father Ducharme was the shortest of the priests and brothers in residence at Eskimo Point.