The Innu Nation Uinipekᵁ Ocean Expedition: Leg 2 Recap
Leg 2 of the Innu Nation Uinipeku Ocean Expedition travelled North with an evening arrival in the Natuashish Marine Zone to continue to increase the knowledge and understanding of the Innu Nation coast. To celebrate our arrival in this area, we welcomed the opportunity to stretch our legs on land after a couple of days at sea. Setting out in the Zodiacs after dinner, we landed at the Solomon Islands and spent some time exploring the beach, hiking up through the cotton grass, and soaking in the views. Just before sunset, we started a fire, roasted marshmallows, listened to Innu stories by Valérie Courtois and Thomas Poker, and held our evening briefing on the beach. It was a special way to kick off the second half of our journey.
While we were at the beach, some of the youth helped Ashley Bungay, a researcher with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, set some crab traps. We have been doing this periodically throughout the expedition to survey for green crabs, which are an invasive aquatic species on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. On this expedition we have been setting traps called “Fukui crab traps” in various locations to demonstrate trapping practices and early detection monitoring. Good news, we have NOT found any in the areas we surveyed!
The next morning we woke up in Utshimassits (Davis Inlet). Some of the Zodiacs went out on science missions with some of the youth, while the rest went out in the Zodiacs to visit the site of Old Davis Inlet, and to go fishing. Having Thomas Poker with us really helped us to learn more about the area, as he shared many memories and stories. We were fortunate to catch sight of two very healthy black bears on some of the islands along our way. The afternoon was spent in the community of Utshimassits where we were hosted by some community members from Natuashish. We fished off the wharf and were treated to a delicious fish boil of healthy arctic char and trout. We were also privileged to walk around with Nuna, who shared stories and the history of the community. For some, this was their first time in many years visiting Utshimassits in the summer since they were relocated to Natuashish, and it was a meaningful visit for everyone.
The ongoing research projects also continued as we sailed in and among the islands in the Natuashish marine zone. The dive team have been experiencing incredibly clear water, and have seen a diversity of invertebrates, sponges, tunicates, corals, seaweeds, and fish! The ROV has also had some great dives with Innu youth driving! Evening briefings are filled with videos from the dive and ROV teams showing the rest of us the beauty that lies beneath the surface. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has also been tracking the drifters we dropped earlier this leg in the deep water and we are able to see what they are up to in the Labrador Current. Other marine research such as water samples, CTD casts, and baited camera deployment are now part of our daily routines.
On the last day of Leg 2, we spent time in the northern part of the Natuashish marine zone. Many of the youth spent time on shore fishing and learned how to filet fish. We took a walk with Val to learn about the boreal forest. She taught us about the different plants and trees and explained the various adaptations they have evolved to allow them to thrive in this landscape. We came across some tracks and we were unsure if they were moose or caribou, so Innu Nation asked Regina Wells from the Canadian Wildlife Service to go back to install a trail camera in the area to gather some wildlife data on the island. They will use the camera to capture wildlife data but are specifically looking for moose or caribou and lesser geese.
Every day on the expedition offers a full mix of activities on the ship, the Zodiacs, and shorelines. It’s been awesome to see how different youth have grabbed a hold of different elements of the expedition, letting their curiosity shine. Participant Jenna shared that her favourite part was being out on the Zodiacs, and she became quite a skilled driver. After this past week, Sasha shared that she would like to learn more about diving and photography, and Leanne shared that she really enjoyed all the science on board and wants to go back to school to study the ocean. We are so excited to welcome this new batch of youth into the Students on Ice Alumni family and follow and support their next steps, no matter what they are.
The final afternoon of the leg was spent on a beautiful beach, cooking bannock (Innu pakueshikan), the arctic char caught earlier in the day, and tea made from tamarack and Labrador tea over the fire. The afternoon was filled with laughter and fun as everyone got out on the paddleboards and qajaqs. Back on the ship we recapped the science projects and finished leg 2 off right with a dance party at sunset on the outside deck!
Stay tuned for Leg 3 as we welcome new youth and community members aboard and we continue to explore the Natuashish Marine Zone!
Check out the Leg 2 recap video below.