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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 11 . . . . February 2, 2001
Although one of Canada's most ancient settlements, Nunavut was recognized as Canada's most
recent political territory on April 1, 1999. This CD-ROM product is one of the many
resources that has been produced to respond to curricular needs for teaching about Nunavut.
Nunavut Territory, Canada, like the territory itself, covers a large amount of area.
The contents include an historical overview of the territory and its peoples, a series of
interactive maps, perspectives both on traditional and modern life-styles, a compendium of
Arctic flora and fauna, information on the Inuktitut language, a directory of Nunavut
schools, a miscellany of various Arctic-related subject areas (ranging from permafrost to
the Franklin expedition), and a photo gallery. Trying to cover such a breadth of material is
ambitious, and not all of the material is equal in depth of coverage. Certainly, this CD
provides material not easily accessed with other research tools: particularly strong are
the sections on Nunavut's history, the peoples who have inhabited the territory, and
"yesterday and today" which profiles traditional and current life. It is easy to navigate
and provides links within the CD, as well as Internet web-site links. Although the
information in each section is well-organized, the CD lacks a sense of continuity, perhaps
the result of trying to include as much information as possible. Compared to many other
reference CD's, Nunavut Territory is not particularly flashy and lacks a sense of
unified design, both in text and graphics. Audio clips of Inuktitut phrases are included,
but even with the volume controls turned up as high as possible, I found the sound quiet and
hard to hear. As well, there are disparities in levels of language within the written text:
some sections seemed written for senior high school students, while others seemed more
appropriate to middle school students.
Should you buy the CD for your school's collection? That depends--the CD's price includes an
unlimited site license, making it available to a large number of patrons. If your school offers
courses in Arctic studies, Canadian Geography, or Native Studies, the CD might have a place in
your collection. As with all software, preview before purchase.
Recommended with Reservations.
Joanne Peters is the teacher-librarian at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - February 2, 2001.
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