Iceland to Kalaallit Nunaat Expedition 2025 – Youth Blog Collection 1
July 13, 2025
Karam Halabi:
I saw a Gannet bird today! I followed it with my binoculars and knew it wasn’t your average seagull, so I went and identified it and recorded it on the wall. I felt like such an expert because folks were asking me, “What did you see?!” And I was answering them like I didn’t just learn the word gannet a second ago!
I also saw dolphins that day and knew they were rare dolphin sightings because I was hanging out with the professionals on deck; I suppose that in those moments I felt like an expert and then acted like one, all because I was amongst them, I became one after all.
July 14, 2025
Mary Audlaluk:
Today, we got to learn some Greenlandic history and the meaning of the qullik. I am having a great time meeting new people who are from Nunavut, and we are learning each other’s language! Comparing our languages when they sound alike. I appreciate the SOI team for giving me the opportunity to experience this with people from around Canada.
Héloïse Soyer:
Yesterday, there was a lecture about marine mammals given by Pierre Richard, a marine biologist who studies the behaviour of these impressive animals. I was so interested because he was presenting the different whales that are possible to see in the Arctic Ocean and how to recognize them. I want to study marine mammals in my future, so it was a joy to learn how many different species there are!
Fredi Anne Inuktalik:
A few days ago, we left Reykjavik. Yesterday we saw a whale, dolphins, and birds.
Today I got to carry the sweetest baby, see orcas, and we have reached Kalaallit Nunaat.
We will be going on a Zodiac cruise this evening. It has been such an amazing experience so far, and I’m excited to see more parts of Greenland.
Darius des Vignes:
Prior to this trip, I had never met an Inuk. I’ve learned about Indigenous peoples in the Arctic, but never had a moment to feel a connection, and where we could exchange experiences from opposite parts of the country. So far, I’ve had the privilege to meet many Inuit from all over the country. This experience has really opened my mind and altered my previous perspective of those living in the Canadian north. I hope that during this trip, I continue to learn about Inuit and Greenlanders, and can share what I have learned with those who are so disconnected from life in the north.
Livia Amos:
My day started with an amazing breakfast. I had waffles with Greek yogurt. While I pondered the view, my mind wandered to the amazing Inuit and their culture. We have been learning very informative and interesting topics regarding Inuit culture. I have been offered the privilege to listen and watch the amazing crew talk about their culture and how much they adore and have pride with it. It makes me wonder more about my culture and where I come from, and where my origins lie.
Standing here and chatting with all the other participants has been an amazing experience. I am learning so many other perspectives on ways of life and culture. It has been an honour coming all the way up here and seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and not in a museum or a zoo. Overall, it’s been a worthwhile trip.
Yours, Livia Lee.
July 15, 2025
Mackenzie Porter:
Life so far has been quite an adventure, 3 days on the Arctic Ocean provided a lot of things to offer, such as cultural knowledge within Greenland Inuit, climate change, and overall multiple impacts with different scientific careers helping me explore what I find interests in.
On day 1, I felt quite challenged with my ability to function on a ship as I had never done it before. I had a familiar sense of movement on a boat with my family by my side, but this time it was a little different with all the new people that I call friends now. Bonds are forming, everything seems more natural with the people I surround myself with, and I feel a sense of freedom within as time passes on. And the seasickness does not seem to linger anymore. I also had the privilege of being invited to represent the qulliq with Inuit women from Greenland, along with my friend Kalluk, in our traditional clothing. I cannot wait to see what the next weeks and few days will bring. Travelling to Iceland and sailing to Greenland is entirely all I can ask for right now, and lastly, the community is making me feel safe.
Fredi Anne Inuktalik:
This morning we went on a zodiac cruise and saw the glaciers, and there are lots of pieces of ice floating around where we are currently.
This afternoon we will be going on a land excursion around Kangerluluk, and yesterday we were around Sikuiuitteq.
I must say, it is very nice without wifi and cell service, but it is hard not talking to my family.
I have been beading a lot, which I haven’t done since COVID. So far, I have made 3 pairs of earrings in the last 2 days. If you’re following along with our blogs, thank you.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the pictures yet to come!
