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Joamie School History
Our school is named after Joamie, an Inuit hunter who played an important role in establishing the community of Iqaluit, originally named Frobisher Bay.
In 1940, the American Armed Forces arrived in Frobisher Bay intending to set up a base of operations for the the World War 2 effort. They had unsuccessfully tried to find suitable land in Lake Harbour.
Discussions with Joamie and Tigullagaq eliminated a place called Sarraq as a possible selection as Joamie felt the area wasn't suitable due to high winds and soft mud.
Joamie and Tigullagaq thought the flat land of Iqaluit was the best place on Frobisher Bay. So, it was decided to set up the base in this area. Originally, the base and subsequent town was called Frobisher Bay, but later became known as Iqaluit.
Shortly after the base was established, the Hudson's Bay Company wanted to relocate to Iqaluit. Joamie was instrumental in helping them move.
Joamie was a respected and kind man, who felt it was his responsibility to provide meat for widows and the needy. His cooperation and exploration in the early days resulted in the foundation of our community.
