2025 Innu Nation Uinipekᵘ Expedition: Leg 1 Recap
We are so excited to be working with Innu Nation for the third year on the Uinipeku Expedition. We just wrapped up Leg 1, which was a powerful and inspiring journey through the lands and waters of Akami-Uapishku, including the National Park Reserve and coastal areas of Atatshi-uinipekᵘ (Lake Melville) and into the Labrador Sea.
This leg brought together Innu youth interns, Elders, Guardians, researchers, and educators for a rich, hands-on learning experience grounded in culture, science, and community. Our voyage began in Amishku-shipiss (Beaver Brook – Swallow Harbour), where we were welcomed by community members, Innu Parks, and Parks Canada staff at a traditional Innu camp set up to mark the beginning of this leg. We are deeply grateful to the community for welcoming us and setting the tone for the coming days, grounding us in place and culture, and the spirit of knowledge sharing and storytelling.
Throughout the week, youth interns spent their days engaged in four education streams: Ocean Science, Underwater Technology, Land and Coastal Skills, and Storytelling and Media. These streams empowered youth interns to explore their interests, build practical skills, and contribute to meaningful research and stewardship of Nitassinan, reflective of the future needs of Innu Nation. Whether studying soft coral gardens through ROVs, learning about archeology, identifying seabirds at the Gannet Islands Seabird Ecological Reserve, or capturing stories in film and video, each intern played an important role in building a more holistic understanding of this unique region and their place within it.
The mentorship provided by Innu Guardians, Elders, and all of the amazing research partners on board was central to the experience. The cross-cultural and intergenerational learning approach not only deepened youth interns’ connections to their territory but also strengthened the relationship between Innu Nation and the broader scientific community. Western science teams shared skills in data collection, and monitoring, while also learning from Innu ways of knowing, rooted in generations of lived experience and deep connection to the land.
The leg ended at the Ussiniun Youth Centre in Sheshatshiu with a community day to share what we’ve been up to and to celebrate the hard work of the youth interns. Each intern was awarded a certificate to acknowledge their dedication to the expedition.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Leg 1 such an amazing and meaningful beginning. These young leaders are shaping the future of environmental stewardship in Nitassinan, and it is an honour for Students on Ice to be a part of this journey.
We’re so excited for what’s to come in Leg 2!