Arctic 2019 Expedition

The morning began with a series of Isuma workshops where students were able to creatively express themselves and continue working on their ongoing artistic projects. With options like songwriting, seal skin sewing, newscasting and more, students are certainly harnessing their amazing talents to create a wide variety of projects. The afternoon consisted of zodiac tours … Continued

The morning began with a series of workshops as well as a panel discussion on Tallurutiup Imanga, the newly announced National Marine Conservation Area! Tallurutiup Imanga (also known as Lancaster Sound) is a vast area located in the Canadian High Arctic and one of the most ecologically significant areas in the world. Following two years … Continued

Today the expedition team landed at Qiajivik (Coutts Inlet), Nunavut on the northeastern arm of Baffin Island. Elders onboard took to the land first with a blessing. After all the students and staff arrived on the beach, a diversity of workshops and activities began ranging from learning about sod houses with historian David Gray and … Continued

After a day’s journey across the Davis Strait, we have arrived in The Canadian Arctic! The morning began with two important announcements – Happy Birthday to our We started off the day with announcements of two birthdays, Tukumminnguaq Olsen and Qumangaapik (Joshua Monteith)! Our first landing this morning was in the beautiful community of Mittimatalik … Continued

Today was the first full day at sea as we sailed across the Davis Strait, headed for the Canadian High Arctic. Students started off their day with workshops. They had the choice between meditation with Cathy Nolan, Lacing deer hide and beads with Vicky Grant, a sharing circle with Inuit elders Moosa and Pitsiulaaq, sketching … Continued

Students began their afternoon in Uummannaq, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) where we were greeted by our dear friend, Ann Andreasen, and the people of the Uummannaq Children’s Home. They welcomed us with a performance by their orchestra and then they invited SOI staff to perform. This included a song by Ian Tamblyn, throat singing by Becky … Continued

Update from Expedition Leader Geoff Green in Disko Bay, Greenland Today began with a Zodiac tour around magnificent icebergs in Disko Bay off the coast of Ilulissat, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), and learning about the history of Kalaalit Nunaat with Greenlandic staff members Vivi Sorensen, Maligiaq Padilla, Tukumminnguaq Olsen and Bilo Stigsen. And to top if … Continued

(student and staff blogs below) (c) Natta Summerky/SOI Foundation Today was an exciting first full day in Greenland! After sailing out of Kangerlussuaq and down the Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world, we woke this morning surrounded by beautiful Itilleq Fjord, the site of our first shore landing. Following breakfast, students … Continued

Today is Departure Day! The day began with a very early start (6am!) as students and staff loaded onto busses and we made our way to the Ottawa airport. However, the excitement in the air was palpable as we boarded our flights and officially began our journey to the Arctic. ©Martin Lipman/SOI Foundation ©Martin Lipman/SOI … Continued