Demographics for Kinngait

The 2016 Census reported the total population of Kinngait to be 1,441, of which approximately 48.2% were female and 51.8% male.

The population of Kinngait grew by 4% between 1996 and 2001, by 7.4% between 2001 and 2006, and by 14% between 2006 and 2011.

Economy

Residents participate in a variety of occupations, but are predominantly employed in sales and service, governmental services, and trades. In 2011, Kinngait had a participation rate of 55.6% and unemployment rate of 19%.

While government is a significant employer in Kinngait, the largest occupational group represented in the workforce is art, culture, recreation and sport workers. This reflects the major importance of arts and culture in the community, and impact of the operations of West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative on direct employment on home-based art and craft producers. This in turn has made tourism a key economic support for the community.

A high percentage of residents are still active in the traditional economy, as 77% of residents surveyed in the 2006 census reported having hunted over the past 12 months. This is partly due to the fact that the flow edge (the point where ocean water does not freeze, even during the winter) is much closer to the community than in other communities. In addition to this, 71% stated they had gone fishing and 78% stated they had gone berry picking over the same 12 months.

Education

With respect to educational achievement the 2011 Census reported that, among the population age 15 and over, 59.2% had no certificate, diploma or degree (including high school), while 12.5% reported the highest level of educational achievement to be high school certificate or equivalent.

10% of the population reported a trades or apprenticeship-related certification or diploma as their highest level of educational achievement. With respect to other post-secondary education outcomes, 10 % of residents reported a non-university diploma or certificate and 8.3% reported a university certificate, diploma or degree at a bachelors level or above.

Considerations for Infrastructure

Like most communities in Nunavut, Kinngait is experiencing rapid growth in population that will impact directly on needs for infrastructure. Between 2006 and 2020, the population of the community is projected to increase by 50%. At present, 34% of residents are under the age of 15, and 58% are under the age of 25. The overall increase in population, and the large proportion of community members who will be establishing families over the next decade and more will create huge demand for increased housing stock, daycare facilities, and additional space in schools at the elementary, high school and adult levels.

Unique to the community of Kinngait is the number of producing artists and crafts people within the community: Kinngait has more artists per capita than any other community in Canada. Along with direct sales of art products, this has a major impact on tourism, and establishment of a major arts and culture and visitors centre is seen as a critical element for sustaining and developing the tourist potential of the community. Likewise, it also creates need and demand for upgrading of the air terminal and services, and for an increased supply and overall quality of hotel rooms.

Statistic information obtained from:
http://www.stats.gov.nu.ca/en/Census%202011NHS.aspx