In Inuktitut, Qikirtaq means “that which has long points”. Qikirtaq Island is near Salluit, north of Nunavik.
Why is this island important? Archaeological excavations have revealed many artifacts that are traces of the Dorset people, who occupied the territory of Nunavik over 2,000 years ago, before the arrival of the Inuit ancestors.
Among other items that were found on Qikirtaq Island was an ivory mask, 3.5 cm in height. It is thought to be a magic or religious mask. Fire sites and the foundations of dwellings should help archeologists find out more about this ancient people, who have since disappeared.