Torngat Mountains Expedition 2023: Day 12
As we arrived at Okak Harbour the seas were calm.
Early in the morning we embarked out on the Zodiacs and headed to Okak shore. The tide was high and it wasn’t as easy to navigate, but our skilled Zodiac drivers found a safe landing. Once on shore, we climbed up a short escarpment to where SOI Team Members Tienne and Jenna shared the history of the Moravian Mission, information about the Spanish Flu, its impact on Okak, and how Okak has continued to be a treasured site to Inuit and visitors today. Okak was the second location for the Moravian Mission and it was quite the bustling community for trade and socialization.
We then hiked up the mountain and saw a cairn, which was used to indicate settlement or food nearby. The cairn points to Kivalekh, an Inuit historic area only a few kilometres away over the ridge. Today, one could see remnants of tent rings and at least 49 sodhouses. While beachcombing, Payton found a fragment of Wedgwood blueprint ceramic (early 19th century) and SOI Team Member Mary, found a bone weaving needle likely used for nets. After spending the morning on Okak, we headed back to the ship for lunch, then did some swimming off the port side.
The afternoon was busy and full of fun activities. We explored seaweed biodiversity with a hands-on workshop creating art pieces, performed water filtering in the lab, painted a mural, or prepared for the traditional SOI talent show. A few of us got a tour of the ship’s engine room.
During our evening briefing, the Media Team presented a video from our ROV launch in Nachvak village. It was a great way to introduce the youth to the subsea world using advanced remote technology as they set up, deployed, and piloted the Remotely Operated Vehicle, capable of video surveys in up to 300 metres of seawater.
We also said farewell and thank you to SOI Team Leader Mary for sharing her heart and stories. Hearing Mary’s memories of the summers she spent with her family in the Torngat Mountains emphasized to us the connection between people, spirits, and the land. We visited places where her parents were born and places she grew up. We also have so many fun memories with Mary including her sharing her precise fishing skills and her ability to make a quick bonfire.
After our goodbyes, Giselle and Sarah presented SOI Team Leader and singer/songwriter Tim Baker with an SOI Gold Record Award to commemorate his new single “Twenty Twenty.” Tim also announced that his new album “Along The Mountain Road” will be released in October.
To cap off the night, SOI Team Leaders Emma and Anna co-hosted “Spa Night,” another SOI first. The goal was to demonstrate mini self-care activities ranging from DIY coffee-ground scrub facials, mini-massages, hair-braiding, manicures, and journaling set to a tranquil soundtrack.
We’re feeling refreshed, calm, and relaxed. From Okak Harbor, we will be travelling approximately 100 nautical miles to Nain then continuing to sail South.