Nunatsiavut to Nunavik 2025: Expedition Recap
The 2025 Nunatsiavut to Nunavik Expedition marked a very special milestone — the 25th Anniversary of the Students on Ice (SOI) Foundation. This summer, 22 youth from across Canada, the U.S., Greenland, and Europe came together for a unique and successful expedition, though not the one we had originally planned.
One of SOI’s mottos, “flexibility is key,” was put to the test — perhaps more than on any other expedition in SOI’s history. Mechanical issues with our ship reshaped the expedition, bringing unexpected twists, challenges, and countless moments that required us to pivot. In the end, we did not make it to Nunavik, but we did reach Nunatsiavut and the beautiful community of Nain, where we were anchored off the coast. What carried us through was the incredible adaptability of the students, staff, and team on board. True to the SOI spirit, every day was filled with opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.
From hiking windswept beaches and some of the longest Zodiac excursions in SOI history to sharing freshly caught fish and witnessing moments of generosity, this 25th anniversary expedition was defined by connection, adaptability, and magic in the unexpected.
Rising Leaders Shaping the Future
Our journey began in Ottawa, where our diverse group of youth gathered for three great days. Trust and teamwork grew quickly through high-energy activities such as SOI’s famous Amazing Race and Camp Fortune’s aerial courses. These moments gave us an early glimpse of the resilience, leadership, and collaboration that would be on display throughout our time together.
At Rideau Hall, we were reminded of how small the North truly is during a heartwarming moment of connection that unfolded when youth participant Sahtle Tsetso asked His Excellency Whit Fraser (a former CBC journalist) if he had known his grandfather, a former CBC cameraman from Fort Simpson. His Excellency answered “yes!” illustrating the power of intergenerational connections that so often come full circle on SOI expeditions. What began as a conversation about Northern storytelling quickly became a powerful reminder of the ties that bind — across families, communities, and generations in the Arctic.
“I guess they were friends because my grandpa was a cameraman and His Excellency was a reporter. Having heard the story was really special. And then he told me to come up, he gave me a hug, and we took a picture. And then we sent it to my grandpa.” — Sahtle Tsetso (Youth Participant, Fort Simpson, NT)
In Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, SOI Educator and Indigenous Leadership Initiative Executive Director Valérie Courtois guided youth along the Birch Island Boardwalk, a 5km elevated platform through an 800ha wilderness area featuring wetlands, forests, and beaches along the Churchill River. Her workshop, rooted in Western science and Innu knowledge, taught us about boreal ecology, wetland biodiversity, and the importance of conservation in northern ecosystems. It reminded us that the most powerful conservation tools are often the oldest — those passed down through generations and form the foundations of Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
This was reinforced in North West River, where Innu Guardians Jimmy Nuna and Randy Malleck took youth out on the waters of Lake Melville, sharing their knowledge of navigation, stewardship, and the Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve. At the Labrador Interpretation Centre, exhibits revealed how Innu and Inuit communities have lived in balance with the land for millennia.
“I also gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and history, which I had barely been exposed to before. Listening to people share their knowledge and experiences was fascinating and eye-opening for me.” — Carolina Massey (Youth Participant, Monaco)
Being anchored off the coast of Nain gave us the chance to slow down, get to know each other, and truly cherish those moments of learning together while participating in activities such as hiking, fishing, storytelling, and workshops. Cultural exchange amplified our shared experience. Beading with Elders, sharing pitsik (dried Arctic char) by the fire, and listening to SOI Educator and Inuk Elder Sophie Keelan’s stories are all moments that we’ll cherish.
Exploring the Wild Heart of the North
Immersing ourselves in the wonders of Labrador’s ecosystems connected us directly with the land and the communities that thrive there. Encounters with whales, bears, and fish became living lessons in biodiversity and balance. Scientists from the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) taught youth how to analyze Arctic char fish scales under the microscope and to examine annuli (like tree rings) to monitor for environmental changes over the animal’s lifespan.
This year, we welcomed ASF as a new partner. Together, we explored the life cycle of Atlantic salmon and the challenges they face in a changing climate. ASF is beginning important conversations with coastal Labrador communities to understand how salmon populations are shifting north. And several of us got a hands-on lesson in fly fishing, an activity that many of us tried for the first time. We learned how to tie flies and to “paint the ceiling,” a memorable fly casting technique.
“I will forever carry with me the experiences, knowledge, and relationships that we forged together on this transformative journey. To the students, you are all inspirations with bright futures, as leaders, scientists, artists, ambassadors and stewards of the planet. These life-changing moments reflect the spirit of collaboration and conservation that drives ASF’s mission and the SOI program.” — Kim Thompson, ASF’s Program Director for Newfoundland and Labrador
Onboard the Polar Prince, SOI scientist Paul Hamilton’s plankton tow revealed a hidden world of microscopic life that sustains marine systems. Every ecosystem, from boreal wetlands to the coastal waters of the Labrador Sea, reinforced how interconnected life, including human life, truly is.
“Being out on the land and seeing the wildlife was truly amazing, especially getting to see minke whales from the boat. Going on the Guardians’ boat in Goose Bay was another highlight, and learning about how water samples work and how they provide insight on the water quality was fascinating. I will be taking a lot from this expedition, not just from the things I’ve learned but also from the people I met.” — Olivia MacNeil (Youth Participant, Ottawa, Ontario)
Protecting the Land, Water, and Life We Love
From Ottawa to Labrador and all the way back to Montreal, the theme of conservation was woven into every step of our journey. Along Birch Island and Lake Melville, youth learned how Indigenous stewardship protects wetlands, wildlife, and sacred spaces. Workshops onboard the Polar Prince blended science and skill in microbiology analysis, sustainable fishing, and knot-tying alongside beading and harvesting practices, showing that conservation is not separate from culture, but rooted within it.
In Nain, the president of Nunatsiavut, Johannes Lampe, challenged youth to become experts and contribute to the future of the land. Conservation was also embodied through action: fishing, sea urchin harvesting, shoreline cookouts, and shared meals reminded us that stewardship begins with relationships: to place, to people, and to ourselves.
“Without even noticing, I immensely grew mentally and emotionally by just being around all of these amazing people. Unconsciously, at every meal, every zodiac ride, every campfire, I was growing up and filling my mind with lots of crazy stories and ideas. I laughed, I talked, I swam, I drove, I fished, I ate (a lot), I wrote, I read, but most of all, I listened.” — Dawson Widney (Youth Participant, Whitehorse, Yukon)
Our journey culminated in Montreal at Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory, where Environmental Projects Coordinator Cole Delisle shared how traditional stewardship is restoring ecosystems amid modern pressures. The message was clear that we all have a connection to nature and that conservation is a living practice.
Thriving in the Unexpected
Every day of the expedition brought chances to lead. From driving Zodiacs, teaching peers to fish, and performing in an onboard talent show, the youth shaped their own expedition experience. Highlights included a floating concert under the midnight sun, art and archaeology workshops, and an emotional hike to Nain 3, where Maritime Archaic and Pre-Inuit history grounded our reflections.
From the very outset, youth pushed beyond their comfort zones at Camp Fortune’s aerial course. This spirit of perseverance continued into the later phases of the expedition, notably during the late-night group discussions held aboard the Polar Prince. These moments, often filled with intense self-reflection and candid sharing, highlighted their profound capacity for emotional growth and development.
The expedition, from Ottawa to Northern Labrador, was a great challenge for all the youth. It was about finding a balance, getting them to think about how Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western science fit together, how our actions today impact tomorrow, and how their own local identity connects to being globally responsible.
“Day to day, our plans were changing. The resiliency and creativity of the way our team came together was one of the highlights of the trip for me.” — Geoff Green, SOI Founder and Expedition Leader
A core part of this amazing journey was a new take on perseverance. It wasn’t just about toughing things out. Instead, it became a dynamic process where tough experiences turned into real wisdom, and obstacles became chances to grow as leaders. The expedition really put them to the test, shaping a new kind of strength – one that’s flexible and adaptable, preparing them to be thoughtful, active leaders ready for a complex and changing world.
The Generosity of Community
It was remarkable to see how this team navigated challenges and created moments of magic. The generosity of the community of Nain, who welcomed us with open hearts and shared their local knowledge, left an indelible mark on our collective experience. SOI alumni also gave their support, reflecting the spirit of community that unites every person who steps aboard an SOI expedition.
“The community of Nain really welcomed us with open arms. They understood the situation we were in. They just opened up doors, lent us pickup trucks, and gave us ideas on places to go and places to explore nearby.” — Geoff Green, SOI
From local community members lending advice to airline partners like PAL Airlines, Air Inuit, Canadian North, and Air Borealis helping with flight changes — and even Voisey’s Bay Mine offering access to their nearby runway — we were constantly reminded of the extraordinary kindness that surrounds SOI. We are deeply grateful for these connections and the spirit of generosity that made our journey possible.
The Journey Continues
As we returned home, we carried more than memories of the land and sea; we carried the spirit of connection, generosity, and discovery that defined this expedition. These experiences — the lessons, the laughter, the inspiration, and the relationships — become part of us, shaping who we are and how we show up in the world.
What truly made this expedition remarkable were the people: youth, Elders, educators, scientists, artists, and alumni who opened their hearts, shared their knowledge, and created a spirit of community that will last far beyond these two weeks.
“These immersive experiences, whether on ship, on the water, or on land, not only foster a sense of joy and belonging but also highlight the importance of conservation and honouring traditional knowledge in how we engage with the natural world.” — Kim Thompson, ASF
As we become part of the growing SOI alumni network, we carry with us the experiences, inspiration, and relationships forged on expedition. They will continue to shape our lives and ripple outward. Twenty-five years on, the SOI spirit is stronger than ever, and for many of us, the journey is only just beginning.
Watch the full recap here: