Kimik Co-operative Association Limited
Kimmirut, NU X0A 0N0
Ph: (867) 939-2322
Fax: (867) 939-2005

E-mail: manager.kimik@ArcticCo-op.com

Incorporated in 1973, this Co-op is known for marketing the excellent carvings produced in the area formerly known as Lake Harbour. A hotel, retail store, cable TV, fuel delivery service and video rentals are other Co-op operations.

About the Community

Kimmirut has a population of 411 and is also known by its former name: Lake Harbour. Local Meaning: Looks Like a Heel - referring to a rocky outcrop in the inlet.

The community is located on the south shore of the Hudson Strait on Baffin Island. Access to this community is restricted to air and water. Situated on the ocean it borders the Katannilik Territorial Park, the only area where trees can be found on Baffin Island, as well as a variety of Arctic flora and considerable wildlife. Whaling ships made annual calls at Kimmirut in the 19th century, making it the most important harbor on the south coast. Until the start of World War I, the community was the center of a busy and thriving mica mining operation, which employed Inuit and Scottish miners.

Kimmirut continues as a hunting and fishing community. Sea-kayaking adventures along the coast of Baffin Island can be arranged locally, as well as the local Hunters and Trappers Assoc can organize trips to view the spectacular scenery, wildlife, caribou and polar bears. There are also archaeological sites in the area to vist. Inuit carvers work with the local apple-green soapstone to produce remarkable sculptures, and ivory carvers produce intricate scrimshaw etchings. Visitors can arrange to tour a soapstone quarry. The Soper River is a popular choice for expert canoeists.