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Coordinates: 74°34′45″N 57°13′05″W / 74.57917°N 57.21806°W / 74.57917; -57.21806
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Changed city timezone to correct time (Greenland follows -02:00 now, not -03:00). Also added that DST is followed in this area.
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|pushpin_map_caption = Location within Greenland
|pushpin_map_caption = Location within Greenland
|pushpin_mapsize = 300
|pushpin_mapsize = 300
|subdivision_type = Federacy
| subdivision_type = State
|subdivision_name = [[Kingdom of Denmark]]
| subdivision_name = {{Flag|Kingdom of Denmark}}
|subdivision_type1 = Country
| subdivision_type1 = [[Countries of the Kingdom of Denmark|Constituent country]]
|subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Greenland}}
| subdivision_name1 = {{Flag|Greenland}}
|subdivision_type2 = Municipality
| subdivision_type2 = [[Administrative divisions of Greenland|Municipality]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Qaasuitsup]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Avannaata]]
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
|government_footnotes =
|government_footnotes =
|leader_title =
|leader_title =
Line 22: Line 24:
|established_title = Founded
|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1928
|established_date = 1928
|population_as_of = 2010
|population_as_of = 2020
|population_total = 453<ref name="localpop">{{cite web|title = Population by Localities|url = http://bank.stat.gl/pxweb/en/Greenland/Greenland__BE__BE01__BE0120/BEXST4.PX/?rxid=a1551b20-d1d5-4bcf-a80c-de114c001595|publisher = Statistical Greenland|access-date = 2020-07-19|archive-date = 2020-07-19|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200719030202/http://bank.stat.gl/pxweb/en/Greenland/Greenland__BE__BE01__BE0120/BEXST4.PX/?rxid=a1551b20-d1d5-4bcf-a80c-de114c001595|url-status = dead}}</ref>
|population_total = 436
|timezone = [[UTC-03]]
| timezone1 = [[Western Greenland Time]]
| utc_offset1 = −02:00
|latd=74|latm=34|lats=45|latNS=N
| timezone1_DST = [[Western Greenland Summer Time]]
|longd=57|longm=13|longs=05|longEW=W
| utc_offset1_DST = −01:00
|coordinates_display = inline,title
|coordinates = {{coord|74|34|45|N|57|13|05|W|region:GL|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates_region = GL
|postal_code_type = Postal code
|postal_code_type = Postal code
|postal_code = [[List of postal codes in Greenland|3962 Upernavik]]
|postal_code = [[List of postal codes in Greenland|3962 Upernavik]]
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}}
}}


'''Kullorsuaq''' (old spelling: ''Kuvdlorssuaq'') is a settlement in the [[Qaasuitsup]] municipality in northwestern [[Greenland]]. It is the northernmost settlement in the [[Upernavik Archipelago]], located on [[Kullorsuaq Island]], at the southern end of [[Melville Bay]], an indentiation of [[Baffin Bay]].
'''Kullorsuaq''' ({{IPA-kl|kuɬːɔʁsuɑq}}, old spelling: ''Kuvdlorssuaq'') is a settlement in the [[Avannaata]] [[municipality]] in northwestern [[Greenland]]. It is the northernmost settlement in the [[Upernavik Archipelago]], located on [[Kullorsuaq Island]] at the southern end of [[Melville Bay]], itself part of the larger [[Baffin Bay]].


The settlement was founded in 1928, and became a trading station, growing in size during the post-[[World War II|war]] consolidation phase, when hunters from several small villages in the region of the more southerly bays of the archipelago: [[Inussulik Bay]], [[Sugar Loaf Bay]], and [[Tasiusaq Bay]] − moved into the larger settlements such as [[Nuussuaq]] and Kullorsuaq. Today, Kullorsuaq remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland, with a stable population.
The settlement was founded in 1928 and became a trading station, growing in size after [[World War II]] when hunters from several small villages around [[Inussulik Bay]], [[Sugar Loaf Bay]], and [[Tasiusaq Bay]] moved into the larger settlements such as [[Nuussuaq]] and Kullorsuaq. Today, Kullorsuaq remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland, but maintains a stable population.


The name of the settlement means "''the big thumb''" in the [[Greenlandic language]]. The settlement was named after [[Devil's Thumb (Greenland)|Devil's Thumb]], a prominent pinnacle-shaped mountain in the center of the island, approximately {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the north of the settlement.
The name of the settlement means "Big Thumb" in [[Kalaallisut language|Kalaallisut]], after the [[Devil's Thumb (Greenland)|Devil's Thumb]], a prominent pinnacle-shaped mountain in the center of the island about {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of the settlement.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
{{main|Kullorsuaq Island}}
{{main article|Kullorsuaq Island}}
Kullorsuaq is located on an island of the same name, at the southern end of [[Melville Bay]], in the northernmost part of [[Upernavik Archipelago]].<ref name="saga">''Upernavik Avannarleq'', Saga Map, 1:250.000, Tage Schjøtt, 1992</ref>
Kullorsuaq is located on an island of the same name at the southern end of Melville Bay. The island is the northernmost part of Upernavik Archipelago.<ref name="saga">''Upernavik Avannarleq'', Saga Map, 1:250.000, Tage Schjøtt, 1992</ref>


== History ==
== History ==

=== Prehistory ===
=== Prehistory ===
[[File:Saqqarlersuaq-from-kullorsuaq.jpg|thumb|left|Kullorsuaq]]
[[File:Saqqarlersuaq-from-kullorsuaq.jpg|thumb|left|Kullorsuaq]]
[[File:Kullorsuaq-church.jpg|thumb|''Inuunerup Nutaap Oqaluffia'', the Greenland Free Church in Kullorsuaq]]
[[File:Kullorsuaq-church.jpg|thumb|''Inuunerup Nutaap Oqaluffia'', the Greenland Free Church in Kullorsuaq]]


The Upernavik Archipelago belongs to the earliest-settled areas of Greenland; the first migrants arriving approximately 2.000 years [[Common Era|B.C.E.]]<ref name="uper">{{cite web |url=http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |publisher=Upernavik Tourist Service |title=History |accessdate=4 September 2010}}</ref> All ''southbound'' migrations of the [[Inuit]] passed through the area, leaving behind a trail of archeological sites.<ref name="lp">{{cite book|last=O'Carroll|first=Etain|title=Greenland and the Arctic|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|pages=196-199|year=2005|isbn=1-74059-095-3}}</ref> The early [[Saqqaq culture]] diminished in importance around 1.000 B.C.E., followed by the migrants of [[Dorset culture]], who spread alongside the coast of Baffin Bay,<ref name="uper"/> being in turn misplaced by the [[Thule people]] in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Upernavik Archipelago was among the earliest-settled areas of Greenland, the first migrants arriving approximately 4,000 years ago.<ref name="uper">{{cite web |url=http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |publisher=Upernavik Tourist Service |title=History |access-date=4 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628131721/http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |archive-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> All southbound migrations of the [[Inuit]] passed through the area, leaving behind a trail of archeological sites.<ref name="lp">{{cite book|last=O'Carroll|first=Etain|title=Greenland and the Arctic|publisher=[[Lonely Planet]]|pages=196–199|year=2005|isbn=1-74059-095-3}}</ref> These first settlers belong to the [[Saqqaq culture]] but were followed around 3,000 years ago by the [[Dorset culture]], which spread along the coast of Baffin Bay.<ref name="uper"/> In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Dorset were themselves displaced by the [[Thule people]].


The archipelago has been continuously inhabited since then. Migrants of the 19th and early 20th centuries found many ruins of Inuit settlement on Kullorsuaq Island, [[Kiatassuaq Island]], and smaller islands in southern Melville Bay.<ref name="hunt2">{{cite book|last=Petersen|first=Robert|title=Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik|publisher=Danish Polar Center|pages=231,234|year=2003|isbn=978-87-635-1261-9}}</ref> In the centuries that followed the initial southbound migration, the population of the northern Upernavik Archipelago was scarce and scattered. The Danish settlers during the colonial era were unaware of Kullorsuaq until the end of 19th century.<ref name="hunt2"/>
The archipelago has been continuously {{ndash}} but sparsely {{ndash}} inhabited over this period. Migrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries found many ruins of Inuit settlement on Kullorsuaq, [[Kiatassuaq Island|Kiatassuaq]], and other smaller islands around Melville Bay,<ref name="hunt2">{{cite book|last=Petersen|first=Robert|title=Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik|publisher=Danish Polar Center|pages=231, 234|year=2003|isbn=978-87-635-1261-9}}</ref> although [[Danish people|Danish]] settlers during the [[Danish colonization of Greenland|colonial era]] were unaware of Kullorsuaq until the end of 19th century.<ref name="hunt2"/>


=== 20th century ===
=== 20th century ===
The modern settlement was initially populated by hunters from the now abandoned villages of the archipelago bays located to the south of [[Kiatassuaq Island]]: [[Inussulik Bay]], [[Sugar Loaf Bay]], and [[Tasiusaq Bay]], during the modern ''northbound'' migration of Greenlanders from [[Upernavik]]. The initial wave of settlers originated in villages of fewer than 10 people: [[Kuuk]] (abandoned in 1972), [[Itissaalik]] (abandoned in 1957), and Ikermiut (abandoned in 1954).<ref name="hunt">{{cite book|last=Petersen|first=Robert|title=Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik|publisher=Danish Polar Center|pages=103-108|year=2003|isbn=978-87-635-1261-9}}</ref> By mid-1920s, several families of hunters from [[Nuussuaq]] also moved north to Kullorsuaq.<ref name="hunt"/> The settlement was founded in 1928,<ref name="hunt"/><ref name="muni">{{cite web |url=http://www.qaasuitsup.gl/da-DK/Om-kommunen/Byer-og-bygder/Upernavik/Kullorsuaq |publisher=[[Qaasuitsup]] Municipality |title=Kullorsuaq |language=Danish |accessdate=10 July 2010}}</ref>
The modern settlement was initially populated by hunters from now-abandoned villages to Kiatassuaq's south: Inussulik Bay, Sugar Loaf Bay, and Tasiusaq Bay. The initial wave of settlers originated in villages of fewer than 10 people: [[Ikermiut]] (abandoned 1954), [[Itissaalik]] (abandoned 1957), and [[Kuuk]] (abandoned 1972).<ref name="hunt">{{cite book|last=Petersen|first=Robert|title=Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik|publisher=Danish Polar Center|pages=103–108|year=2003|isbn=978-87-635-1261-9}}</ref> Several families of hunters from Nuussuaq also moved north to Kullorsuaq, which was founded in 1928.<ref name="hunt"/><ref name="muni">{{cite web |url=http://www.qaasuitsup.gl/da-DK/Om-kommunen/Byer-og-bygder/Upernavik/Kullorsuaq |publisher=Qaasuitsup Municipality |title=Kullorsuaq |language=da |access-date=10 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308021412/http://www.qaasuitsup.gl/da-DK/Om-kommunen/Byer-og-bygder/Upernavik/Kullorsuaq |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Between 1930 and 1960, northwestern Greenland underwent a consolidation phase, driven by the Danish colonial authorities via [[Royal Greenland]], then part of [[KNI (Greenland Trade)|KNI]], with a countrywide [[monopoly]] on trade. The mutual agreement between the hunting families and the trade company limited the pre-war northward expansion until the 1950s, when the populations of the smaller settlements reinforced larger communities in Nuussuaq and Kullorsuaq, where the physical limit of uninhabitable Melville Bay presented a natural barrier to expansion.<ref name="hunt"/> In the 1950s Kullorsuaq became the northernmost trading post in the archipelago. In 1952, the first year-round shop was built in Kullorsuaq.<ref name="hunt2"/>
Between 1930 and 1960, northwestern Greenland underwent a consolidation phase, largely driven by the Danish colonial authorities via [[Royal Greenland]], then part of [[KNI (Greenland Trade)|KNI]], which possessed an island-wide monopoly on trade. The mutual agreement between the hunting families and the trade company limited the pre-war northward expansion until the 1950s, when the populations of the smaller settlements reinforced larger communities in Nuussuaq and Kullorsuaq.<ref name="hunt"/> In 1952, Kullorsuaq became the northernmost trading post in the archipelago with the establishment of its first year-round shop.<ref name="hunt2"/>


In the 1960s, Kullorsuaq was a staging point for further expansion into [[Savissivik]], {{convert|274|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the northwest, at the northern enf of Melville Bay. This expansion was not succesful, and most migrants returned south in the 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="hunt"/> Today, the settlement remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.
In the 1960s, Kullorsuaq was a staging point for further expansion into [[Savissivik]] {{convert|274|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the northwest, although this was unsuccessful and most migrants returned south in the 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="hunt"/> Today, the settlement remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.

The French film “[[Le voyage au Groenland]]” (english: [[Journey to Greenland]]) directed by Sébastien Betbeder which premiered in 2016 takes place in Kullorsuaq.<ref>Sébastien Betbeder, 2016 {{cite web |url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4641248/|title= Journey to Greenland (2016) - IMDb}}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
[[File:Kullorsuaq-harbor.jpg|thumb|Kullorsuaq Harbour]]
[[File:Kullorsuaq-harbor.jpg|thumb|Kullorsuaq Harbour]]


[[Fishing]] and [[hunting]] are the mainstay of the area,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |publisher=Upernavik Tourist Service |title=The history of Upernavik |accessdate=10 July 2010}}</ref> although the more northern settlements still rely on traditional hunting of [[fur seal]]s, [[walrus]]es, [[narwhal]]s, and [[whale]]s to supplement the family economy. In that, the northern region is culturally linked with the far north of Greenland ({{lang-kl|Avanersuaq}}), the [[Qaanaaq]] region.
Fishing {{ndash}} including [[narwhal]]s and [[whale]]s{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} {{ndash}} and hunting {{ndash}} including [[fur seal]]s and [[walrus]]es {{ndash}} are the primary occupations in the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |publisher=Upernavik Tourist Service |title=The history of Upernavik |access-date=10 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628131721/http://www.greenland-guide.gl/upernavik/history.htm |archive-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[fish processing]] plant for Upernavik Seafood (a subsidiary of Royal Greenland) and the [[Pilersuisoq]] general store are the only organized employers in the settlement.<ref name="muni"/>


Kullorsuaq is among the 10 poorest communities in Greenland, as are three other settlements in the archipelago {{ndash}} [[Naajaat]], Nuussuaq, and [[Upernavik Kujalleq]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sermitsiaq.gl/indland/article81717.ece |title=Bygderne skal selv tage ansvar |work=[[Sermitsiaq (newspaper)|Sermitsiaq]] |date=17 April 2010 |language=da |access-date=10 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418224127/http://sermitsiaq.gl/indland/article81717.ece |archive-date=18 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The [[fish processing]] plant of [[Upernavik Seafood]], a subsidiary of [[Royal Greenland]], and the all-purpose [[Pilersuisoq]] general store are the only organized labor employers in the settlement.<ref name="muni"/>

Outside of Upernavik town, the average level of [[income]] in the archipelago is amongst the lowest in Greenland. Alongside three other settlements in the archipelago ([[Naajaat]], Nuussuaq, and [[Upernavik Kujalleq]]), Kullorsuaq is listed in the top 10 poorest within Greenland.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sermitsiaq.gl/indland/article81717.ece |title=Bygderne skal selv tage ansvar |work=[[Sermitsiaq (newspaper)|Sermitsiaq]] |date=17 April 2010 |language=Danish |accessdate=10 July 2010}}</ref>


== Transport ==
== Transport ==
[[File:Kullorsuaq-heliport.jpg|thumb|Kullorsuaq Heliport]]
[[File:Kullorsuaq-heliport.jpg|thumb|Kullorsuaq Heliport]]
{{main|Kullorsuaq Heliport}}
{{main article|Kullorsuaq Heliport}}
[[Air Greenland]] serves the village as part of government contract, with twice-weekly helicopter flights to Nuussuaq and Upernavik.<ref name="gl">{{cite web |url=http://book.airgreenland.com/ |publisher=[[Air Greenland]] |title=Booking system |accessdate=10 July 2010}}</ref>
[[Air Greenland]] serves the village as part of a government contract, with twice-weekly helicopter flights to Nuussuaq and Upernavik.<ref name="gl">{{cite web|url=http://book.airgreenland.com/ |publisher=Air Greenland |title=Booking system |access-date=10 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422211033/http://book.airgreenland.com/ |archive-date=22 April 2010 }}</ref>


== Population ==
== Population ==
With 436 inhabitants in 2010,<ref name="statbank">{{cite web |url=http://bank2.stat.gl/dialog/varval.asp?ma=BEEST4&ti=Population+in+localities+January+1%2Est+by+locality%2C+age%2C+gender+and+place+of+birth+1977%2D2010&path=../Database/Greenland/Population/Population%20in%20Greenland/&search=KULLORSUAQ&lang=4 |publisher=[[Statistics Greenland]] |title=Population in localities January 1.st by locality, age, gender and place of birth 1977-2010 |accessdate=31 August 2010}}</ref> Kullorsuaq is the northernmost as well as the largest settlement in the Upernavik Archipelago outside of Upernavik. It is one of the few settlements in the Qaasuitsup municipality exhibiting significant growth patterns over the course of the last two decades, increasing by nearly 60 percent relative to the 1990 levels and by over 12 percent relative to the 2000 levels.<ref name="statbank"/>
With 453 inhabitants (2020),<ref name="localpop"/> Kullorsuaq is the largest settlement in the Upernavik Archipelago outside of Upernavik. It is one of the few settlements in the Avannaata municipality exhibiting significant growth patterns over the course of the last two decades, increasing by over 63% relative to its 1990 level and by almost 16% relative to its 2000 level.<ref name="localpop"/>

{{-}}
{{wide image|Kullorsuaq-population-dynamics.png|1000px|alt=Kullorsuaq population dynamics|Kullorsuaq population growth dynamics in the last two decades. ''Source: [[Statistics Greenland]]''<ref name="statbank"/>}}
{{wide image|Kullorsuaq-population-dynamics.png|1000px|alt=Kullorsuaq population dynamics|Kullorsuaq population growth dynamics, 1991-2010. ''Source: [[Statistics Greenland]]''<ref name="localpop"/>}}

== Climate ==
Kullorsuaq has a [[tundra climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''ET'') with very cold, long winters and chilly, short summers. Seasonal lag is so strong that August is the warmest month with July and September being very similar, March is the coldest month, and April is colder than December.

{{Weather box
| location = Kullorsuaq
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| width = 100%
| Jan high C = -16.6
| Feb high C = -19.3
| Mar high C = -18.9
| Apr high C = -10.8
| May high C = -2.3
| Jun high C = 1.6
| Jul high C = 5.3
| Aug high C = 5.6
| Sep high C = 2.4
| Oct high C = -1.5
| Nov high C = -5.8
| Dec high C = -11.3
| Jan mean C = -18.4
| Feb mean C = -21.3
| Mar mean C = -21.1
| Apr mean C = -14
| May mean C = -4.8
| Jun mean C = 0.5
| Jul mean C = 4.5
| Aug mean C = 4.8
| Sep mean C = 1.3
| Oct mean C = -2.5
| Nov mean C = -6.9
| Dec mean C = -12.7
| Jan low C = -20.2
| Feb low C = -23.3
| Mar low C = -23.4
| Apr low C = -17.2
| May low C = -7.2
| Jun low C = -0.6
| Jul low C = 3.6
| Aug low C = 3.9
| Sep low C = 0.2
| Oct low C = -3.5
| Nov low C = -8
| Dec low C = -14.1
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 7
| Feb rain mm = 4
| Mar rain mm = 5
| Apr rain mm = 8
| May rain mm = 10
| Jun rain mm = 14
| Jul rain mm = 20
| Aug rain mm = 32
| Sep rain mm = 28
| Oct rain mm = 36
| Nov rain mm = 31
| Dec rain mm = 19
| snow colour = green
| unit rain days = 0.1 mm
| Jan rain days = 0.4
| Feb rain days = 0.1
| Mar rain days = 2.1
| Apr rain days = 2.3
| May rain days = 1.8
| Jun rain days = 5.8
| Jul rain days = 7.8
| Aug rain days = 12.1
| Sep rain days = 5.5
| Oct rain days = 1.6
| Nov rain days = 1.5
| Dec rain days = 1.5
| Jan snow mm = 34
| Feb snow mm = 29
| Mar snow mm = 31
| Apr snow mm = 43
| May snow mm = 61
| Jun snow mm = 19
| Jul snow mm = 1
| Aug snow mm = 4
| Sep snow mm = 98
| Oct snow mm = 133
| Nov snow mm = 110
| Dec snow mm = 97
| Jan snow days = 9.8
| Feb snow days = 7.8
| Mar snow days = 10.2
| Apr snow days = 9.6
| May snow days = 9.8
| Jun snow days = 3.5
| Jul snow days = 0.2
| Aug snow days = 0.9
| Sep snow days = 10.8
| Oct snow days = 14.8
| Nov snow days = 14.9
| Dec snow days = 16.7
| Jan humidity = 88
| Feb humidity = 89
| Mar humidity = 89
| Apr humidity = 86
| May humidity = 86
| Jun humidity = 86
| Jul humidity = 83
| Aug humidity = 79
| Sep humidity = 72
| Oct humidity = 72
| Nov humidity = 75
| Dec humidity = 83
| Jan light = 0
| Feb light = 5
| Mar light = 11.7
| Apr light = 18.4
| May light = 24
| Jun light = 24
| Jul light = 24
| Aug light = 21.1
| Sep light = 13.7
| Oct light = 7.6
| Nov light = 0.5
| Dec light = 0
| Jan uv = 1
| Feb uv = 1
| Mar uv = 1
| Apr uv = 1
| May uv = 1
| Jun uv = 2
| Jul uv = 2
| Aug uv = 2
| Sep uv = 1
| Oct uv = 1
| Nov uv = 1
| Dec uv = 1
| source = Weather Atlas<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/greenland/kullorsuaq-climate|title=Climate and monthly weather forecast – Kullorsuaq|website=Weather Atlas|access-date=September 10, 2023}}</ref>
}}


==References==
==References==
{{commonscat|Kullorsuaq}}
{{Commons category|Kullorsuaq}}
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Settlements in Greenland}}
{{Settlements in Greenland}}
{{Upernavik Archipelago}}
{{Upernavik Archipelago}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Melville Bay]]
[[Category:Melville Bay]]
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[[Category:Populated places of Arctic Greenland]]
[[Category:Populated places of Arctic Greenland]]
[[Category:Upernavik Archipelago]]
[[Category:Upernavik Archipelago]]
[[Category:1928 establishments in North America]]

[[Category:20th-century establishments in Greenland]]
[[ca:Kullorsuaq]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1928]]
[[da:Kullorsuaq]]
[[de:Kullorsuaq]]
[[es:Kullorsuaq]]
[[fr:Kullorsuaq]]
[[it:Kullorsuaq]]
[[kl:Kullorsuaq]]
[[nl:Kullorsuaq]]
[[no:Kullorsuaq]]
[[pms:Kullorsuaq]]
[[pl:Kullorsuaq]]
[[ru:Куллорсуак]]
[[sv:Kullorsuaq]]

Latest revision as of 16:46, 12 October 2024

Kullorsuaq
Wooden houses in Kullorsuaq
Wooden houses in Kullorsuaq
Kullorsuaq is located in Greenland
Kullorsuaq
Kullorsuaq
Location within Greenland
Coordinates: 74°34′45″N 57°13′05″W / 74.57917°N 57.21806°W / 74.57917; -57.21806
State Kingdom of Denmark
Constituent country Greenland
MunicipalityAvannaata
Founded1928
Population
 (2020)
 • Total453[1]
Time zoneUTC−02:00 (Western Greenland Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−01:00 (Western Greenland Summer Time)
Postal code
3962 Upernavik

Kullorsuaq (Greenlandic pronunciation: [kuɬːɔʁsuɑq], old spelling: Kuvdlorssuaq) is a settlement in the Avannaata municipality in northwestern Greenland. It is the northernmost settlement in the Upernavik Archipelago, located on Kullorsuaq Island at the southern end of Melville Bay, itself part of the larger Baffin Bay.

The settlement was founded in 1928 and became a trading station, growing in size after World War II when hunters from several small villages around Inussulik Bay, Sugar Loaf Bay, and Tasiusaq Bay moved into the larger settlements such as Nuussuaq and Kullorsuaq. Today, Kullorsuaq remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland, but maintains a stable population.

The name of the settlement means "Big Thumb" in Kalaallisut, after the Devil's Thumb, a prominent pinnacle-shaped mountain in the center of the island about 3 km (1.9 mi) north of the settlement.

Geography

[edit]
Main article: Kullorsuaq Island

Kullorsuaq is located on an island of the same name at the southern end of Melville Bay. The island is the northernmost part of Upernavik Archipelago.[2]

History

[edit]

Prehistory

[edit]
Kullorsuaq
Inuunerup Nutaap Oqaluffia, the Greenland Free Church in Kullorsuaq

The Upernavik Archipelago was among the earliest-settled areas of Greenland, the first migrants arriving approximately 4,000 years ago.[3] All southbound migrations of the Inuit passed through the area, leaving behind a trail of archeological sites.[4] These first settlers belong to the Saqqaq culture but were followed around 3,000 years ago by the Dorset culture, which spread along the coast of Baffin Bay.[3] In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Dorset were themselves displaced by the Thule people.

The archipelago has been continuously – but sparsely – inhabited over this period. Migrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries found many ruins of Inuit settlement on Kullorsuaq, Kiatassuaq, and other smaller islands around Melville Bay,[5] although Danish settlers during the colonial era were unaware of Kullorsuaq until the end of 19th century.[5]

20th century

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The modern settlement was initially populated by hunters from now-abandoned villages to Kiatassuaq's south: Inussulik Bay, Sugar Loaf Bay, and Tasiusaq Bay. The initial wave of settlers originated in villages of fewer than 10 people: Ikermiut (abandoned 1954), Itissaalik (abandoned 1957), and Kuuk (abandoned 1972).[6] Several families of hunters from Nuussuaq also moved north to Kullorsuaq, which was founded in 1928.[6][7]

Between 1930 and 1960, northwestern Greenland underwent a consolidation phase, largely driven by the Danish colonial authorities via Royal Greenland, then part of KNI, which possessed an island-wide monopoly on trade. The mutual agreement between the hunting families and the trade company limited the pre-war northward expansion until the 1950s, when the populations of the smaller settlements reinforced larger communities in Nuussuaq and Kullorsuaq.[6] In 1952, Kullorsuaq became the northernmost trading post in the archipelago with the establishment of its first year-round shop.[5]

In the 1960s, Kullorsuaq was a staging point for further expansion into Savissivik 274 km (170 mi) to the northwest, although this was unsuccessful and most migrants returned south in the 1980s and 1990s.[6] Today, the settlement remains one of the most traditional hunting and fishing villages in Greenland.

The French film “Le voyage au Groenland” (english: Journey to Greenland) directed by Sébastien Betbeder which premiered in 2016 takes place in Kullorsuaq.[8]

Economy

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Kullorsuaq Harbour

Fishing – including narwhals and whales[citation needed] – and hunting – including fur seals and walruses – are the primary occupations in the area.[9] The fish processing plant for Upernavik Seafood (a subsidiary of Royal Greenland) and the Pilersuisoq general store are the only organized employers in the settlement.[7]

Kullorsuaq is among the 10 poorest communities in Greenland, as are three other settlements in the archipelago – Naajaat, Nuussuaq, and Upernavik Kujalleq.[10]

Transport

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Kullorsuaq Heliport
Main article: Kullorsuaq Heliport

Air Greenland serves the village as part of a government contract, with twice-weekly helicopter flights to Nuussuaq and Upernavik.[11]

Population

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With 453 inhabitants (2020),[1] Kullorsuaq is the largest settlement in the Upernavik Archipelago outside of Upernavik. It is one of the few settlements in the Avannaata municipality exhibiting significant growth patterns over the course of the last two decades, increasing by over 63% relative to its 1990 level and by almost 16% relative to its 2000 level.[1]

Kullorsuaq population dynamics
Kullorsuaq population growth dynamics, 1991-2010. Source: Statistics Greenland[1]

Climate

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Kullorsuaq has a tundra climate (Köppen climate classification ET) with very cold, long winters and chilly, short summers. Seasonal lag is so strong that August is the warmest month with July and September being very similar, March is the coldest month, and April is colder than December.

Climate data for Kullorsuaq
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −16.6
(2.1) 		−19.3
(−2.7) 		−18.9
(−2.0) 		−10.8
(12.6) 		−2.3
(27.9) 		1.6
(34.9) 		5.3
(41.5) 		5.6
(42.1) 		2.4
(36.3) 		−1.5
(29.3) 		−5.8
(21.6) 		−11.3
(11.7) 		−6.0
(21.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) −18.4
(−1.1) 		−21.3
(−6.3) 		−21.1
(−6.0) 		−14
(7) 		−4.8
(23.4) 		0.5
(32.9) 		4.5
(40.1) 		4.8
(40.6) 		1.3
(34.3) 		−2.5
(27.5) 		−6.9
(19.6) 		−12.7
(9.1) 		−7.6
(18.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −20.2
(−4.4) 		−23.3
(−9.9) 		−23.4
(−10.1) 		−17.2
(1.0) 		−7.2
(19.0) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		3.6
(38.5) 		3.9
(39.0) 		0.2
(32.4) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−8
(18) 		−14.1
(6.6) 		−9.1
(15.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 7
(0.3) 		4
(0.2) 		5
(0.2) 		8
(0.3) 		10
(0.4) 		14
(0.6) 		20
(0.8) 		32
(1.3) 		28
(1.1) 		36
(1.4) 		31
(1.2) 		19
(0.7) 		214
(8.5)
Average snowfall mm (inches) 34
(1.3) 		29
(1.1) 		31
(1.2) 		43
(1.7) 		61
(2.4) 		19
(0.7) 		1
(0.0) 		4
(0.2) 		98
(3.9) 		133
(5.2) 		110
(4.3) 		97
(3.8) 		660
(25.8)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 0.4 0.1 2.1 2.3 1.8 5.8 7.8 12.1 5.5 1.6 1.5 1.5 42.5
Average snowy days 9.8 7.8 10.2 9.6 9.8 3.5 0.2 0.9 10.8 14.8 14.9 16.7 109
Average relative humidity (%) 88 89 89 86 86 86 83 79 72 72 75 83 82
Mean daily daylight hours 0 5 11.7 18.4 24 24 24 21.1 13.7 7.6 0.5 0 12.5
Average ultraviolet index 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
Source: Weather Atlas[12]

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kullorsuaq.
  1. ^ a b c d "Population by Localities". Statistical Greenland. Archived from the original on 2020-07-19. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
  2. ^ Upernavik Avannarleq, Saga Map, 1:250.000, Tage Schjøtt, 1992
  3. ^ a b "History". Upernavik Tourist Service. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
  4. ^ O'Carroll, Etain (2005). Greenland and the Arctic. Lonely Planet. pp. 196–199. ISBN 1-74059-095-3.
  5. ^ a b c Petersen, Robert (2003). Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik. Danish Polar Center. pp. 231, 234. ISBN 978-87-635-1261-9.
  6. ^ a b c d Petersen, Robert (2003). Settlements, kinship and hunting grounds in traditional Greenland: A comparative study of local experiences from Upernavik and Ammassalik. Danish Polar Center. pp. 103–108. ISBN 978-87-635-1261-9.
  7. ^ a b "Kullorsuaq" (in Danish). Qaasuitsup Municipality. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  8. ^ Sébastien Betbeder, 2016 "Journey to Greenland (2016) - IMDb".
  9. ^ "The history of Upernavik". Upernavik Tourist Service. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  10. ^ "Bygderne skal selv tage ansvar". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 17 April 2010. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  11. ^ "Booking system". Air Greenland. Archived from the original on 22 April 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  12. ^ "Climate and monthly weather forecast – Kullorsuaq". Weather Atlas. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
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