Overview

The Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) to Nunavut Expedition was an immersive learning journey aboard the Quark Ultramarine, where 20 youth, educators, and SOI staff explored the themes of community, climate change, and intergenerational learning with an emphasis on amplifying youth voices. This immersive experience delved deep into subjects like science, arts, biodiversity, and ocean conservation while fostering connections with nature, each other, and ourselves.

Indigenous youth participated in the 24-hour Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change, aligning with the expedition’s focus on climate action and community engagement. This summit, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, offered a platform for thousands of Indigenous youth worldwide to share insights, strategies, and concerns about climate change’s local impacts. Through this summit, participants explored short-to-long-term strategies for sustainable development, empowering Indigenous youth leaders to drive progress at local and global levels.

Intergenerational learning with Indigenous Elders and educators also formed a cornerstone of the expedition, offering first hand insights into Inuit history, culture, and traditional knowledge. Participants emerged as advocates for environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.

Participants also engaged in cross-cultural exchanges, on-the-land activities, Zodiac excursions, and collaborative projects with other explorers aboard the Ultramarine. Their experiences and perspectives are shared through blog posts on the SOI website, amplifying youth voices and inspiring broader engagement.

Key Information

Route / Location

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to the Ilulissat Icefjord, across Davis Straight to Qausuittuq (Resolute) Nunavut, Canada with stops in Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area.

Dates

July 31 - August 17, 2024

Theme / Focus

This expedition focused on the themes of community, climate change, and intergenerational learning.

Number of Participants

17 youth participants, 3 educators

The Journey

Beginning with pre-expedition activities on July 31 in Ottawa, our diverse group from across the country flew to Kangerlussuaq, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). From there we boarded the MV Ocean Endeavour, and sailed southwest down the 190km Kangerlussuaq Fjord before making our way north along the territory’s west coast. We visited the Ilulissat Icefjord, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Icefjord contains some of the world’s oldest known ice estimated to be 250,000 years old and a treasure trove for scientists and researchers.

The ship then headed west to cross the Davis Strait where the team explored the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, which is not only ecologically significant but also culturally and economically important. It supports traditional Inuit subsistence hunting and fishing activities, provides opportunities for ecotourism, and contributes to scientific research on Arctic ecosystems. The expedition also visited Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Beechey Island, and the Devon Island Ice Cap, before ending in Qausuittuq (Resolute), Nunavut. The team travelled back to Ottawa together on August 15 before everyone headed their separate ways.

Purpose

Build a strong sense of community among participants, fostering connections and collaboration that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries
Raise awareness and understanding of climate change impacts in the Arctic region, empowering participants to advocate for sustainable solutions and environmental stewardship
Facilitate intergenerational learning by bridging Indigenous knowledge with Western perspectives on environmental stewardship and cultural preservation
Amplify youth voices and perspectives on critical issues such as climate change and community resilience, inspiring meaningful dialogue and collective action

Impact

Develop meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity, empathy, and collaboration that extends beyond the expedition
Emerge as informed advocates for environmental sustainability and climate action in their communities and beyond
Gain a deeper understanding of Inuit history, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices, promoting mutual respect, dialogue, and appreciation across generations
Share experiences, insights, and perspectives in meaningful discussions on critical issues facing Indigenous communities and the planet through blog posts and participation in the Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change