Aulavik National Park of Canada

What's New

New Interpretive Exhibits at the Visitor Reception Centre in Sachs Harbour

This fall was an exciting time at the Parks Canada office in Sachs Harbour. Between September 18^th and September 22^nd, 2005, a crew of Parks Canada staff, carpenters, and exhibitry experts began the transformation of the office and Visitor Reception Centre into a colourful and inviting interpretive centre for Aulavik National Park. Displays, exhibits, and audio-visual equipment were installed that will help to teach visitors and local students about the arctic wildlife and environment of the park, and about Inuvialuit history on Banks Island.

The exhibit themes and components were developed in consultation with the community of Sachs Harbour, and with the guidance of the Advisory Committee for Aulavik National Park. Many people from the community came out to enjoy the new displays at an informal open house on September 22^nd. Parks Canada staff are now working to complete several other exhibit components. A formal grand opening ceremony will be held in the spring of 2006.

Traditional winter clothing, sewn by Sachs Harbour elders and sisters, Lena Wolki, Sarah Kuptana, and Edith Haogak. The listening post in front of the display will feature interviews with elders and stories from the history of Banks Island. © Parks Canada	A wildlife diorama of the birds and wildlife of Aulavik National Park and Banks Island. It includes a muskox, an Arctic hare, an Arctic fox, and ptarmigan. Suspended from the ceiling there are three species of geese, and a Snowy Owl on the hunt. © Parks Canada
A large satellite map of Banks Island, sealed into the floor. © Parks Canada Students from the school in Sachs Harbour custom-painted models of Arctic char for the centre. © Parks Canada Lena Wolki, Sarah Kuptana and Edith Haogak © Parks Canada	A display cabinet for arts and crafts made by local artists. The "kamiks" (boots) were made by Edith Haogak © Parks Canada