Cape Dorset is located on southwestern Baffin Island, and is also known as Kingait, or “high mountains.”  The area has a long history of habitation and numerous Thule and Inuit archaeological sites can be visited in the nearby Mallikjuaq Historic Park.  The community is the gateway to the Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which provides critical summer nesting habitat for approximately two million migratory birds.  The tourism industry is strong in Cape Dorset and local outfitters are well equipped to assist in a variety of activities.

Artists from Cape Dorset have an international reputation as leading producers of Inuit art, with sculptures, drawings and prints showcased in galleries around the world.  The arts have an enormous contribution to the local economy, with over 20% of the population being employed in the sector.

Potential non-renewable resources in the region include: iron, gold, diamonds, and gemstones.

Land Use Planning

Approved Land Use Plan

The community of Cape Dorset is not yet covered by an approved land use plan. 

Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan

Between 2004 and 2011, NPC staff visited every Nunavut community to conduct individual “Use and Occupancy Mapping” interviews to collect information on traditional land use activities “within living memory”. This community land use information is included in the Draft Plan and has been used to support decision making.

The Commission also visited the Community on January 14 & 15, 2013, for community engagement meetings on the Draft Plan.

Information was presented and received from participants in Cape Dorset in accordance with Nunavut Planning Commission’s Engagement Strategy.

The summary report of the Community Meetings on the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan held on January 14 &15, 2013 in Cape Dorset can be found below. 

The community views and comments have been very informative in the ongoing process of development and revisions of the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan. In particular, all areas of importance identified by the community are included in the Draft Plan as “Community Priorities and Values”.