Immaculate Conception
- Regional Pastor: Fr. Fredrick Omegoha (ofredrick224@gmail.com)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Aklavik stands as a quiet witness to the enduring faith of northern communities. Established in the 1920s by Oblate missionaries, it once served as a hub of Catholic life, offering sacraments, education, and pastoral care in this remote Inuvialuit and Gwich’in community. Alongside its ministry, the church was part of the history of the Immaculate Conception Residential School—a reminder of both the blessings and the challenges of the Church’s northern mission.
In recent years, the church has not been regularly served by the Diocese of Mackenzie–Fort Smith due to a shortage of priests. Yet even without regular Catholic clergy, Immaculate Conception remains a symbol of faith, sustained by the local community’s devotion. It embodies the resilience and commitment of laypeople who continue to preserve prayer, memory, and hope in the North.
Faith in Aklavik also continues through the ecumenical gift of Anglican ministry, which has provided consistent pastoral care in the community when Catholic clergy have been absent. This shared witness of faith reminds us that God’s Spirit works in and through the broader Christian family, sustaining life and worship even in remote places. Together, these ministries demonstrate that the Church is not defined solely by buildings or schedules, but by the living faith of communities who nurture it in daily life.
Immaculate Conception’s story reflects the broader reality of many northern parishes, where lay leadership and inter‑church collaboration help keep the faith alive. Though the sacramental life of the parish may now be intermittent, the church stands as a testament to God’s enduring presence. It invites reflection on the past, encourages reconciliation, and inspires the community to carry forward the gift of faith with hope, courage, and unity.
Mackenzie-Fort Smith 