The Federal Hostel at Great Whale River was part of the Northern Affairs Branch (NAB) Small Hostels program, launched in 1960. The Small Hostel setting was supposed to come close to the traditional home life of Inuit children. Although Kuujjuaraapik had three eight bed hostels, they were often used for other purposes such as housing for construction crews and classroom space. Local community members worked as Hostel Mothers or Hostel Parents. They operated the residences under the supervision of the Federal Day School Principal. Children staying in the hostels attended local day schools.
