Nunatsiavut to Nunavik Expedition 2025: Update 2
Our second day in Goose Bay took us to North West River, where participants deepened their learning about Traditional Knowledge and conservation. A few were fortunate to head out on Lake Melville with Jimmy and Randy, Guardians from the Innu Nation, whose expertise in Indigenous land stewardship and waterway knowledge guided the group’s visit to Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve.
SOI Educator and Canadian Museum of Nature scientist Paul Hamilton conducted a plankton tow, showcasing research that helps us understand the health and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. Despite the wind and waves on Lake Melville, the group visited Swallow Harbour. Many had the empowering opportunity to try driving the Guardian’s boat under supervision, building confidence and maritime skills.
Other members of our team went out fishing with SOI Educators Harvey, Jim, and Andrew, and several beautiful trout were caught and released.
Meanwhile, the rest of the expedition team spent time at Northwest River Beach playing volleyball, swimming, sharing stories, building friendships, and fostering community connections through outdoor learning and cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, we visited the Labrador Heritage Society Museum. This museum is full of items and artifacts from the Hudson Bay Company days in North West River.
Later, we visited the Labrador Interpretation Centre, where we explored exhibits rich in Innu and Inuit Traditional Knowledge. We viewed artifacts, tools, and clothing that tell the story of how people have thrived here for millennia while living in balance with the land and its biodiversity.
To finish the day, our debrief included a moving performance from SOI Educator Kathy, who sang two beautiful songs, including “Labradorimmiut”, a song celebrating Labrador and its people. The performance exhibited cultural pride and gave participants a sense of connection to the place.
The next morning, with perfect weather, we finally took off from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to fly north to Nain! Thank you to Air Borealis for all their support and flexibility over the past few days. Upon arrival, we met with new and old friends and spent the afternoon hiking. We also had an impromptu visit to the high school with a group of local youth, which included some demonstrations of Inuit games. We were also welcomed by Parks Canada with a Torngat Mountains briefing and a Polar bear safety presentation. Just before boarding the Zodiacs and heading to our ship, we were warmly welcomed by Johannes Lampe, President of the Nunatsiavut Government, who spoke about the region and encouraged us to become experts in our fields and contribute to its future.
Arriving at the Polar Prince, our home for the expedition, was an exciting moment. The ship is also our floating classroom, offering a space to integrate Traditional Knowledge and scientific research while inspiring this great group of youth! The team explored the ship and settled into their cabins before a warm welcome from our ship’s crew and safety training to practice getting into our immersion suits.
The day concluded with a briefing about ship life and the plans for the days ahead. Everyone was glad to tuck into their bunks, feeling ready for the adventures ahead, and ready to carry forward lessons of biodiversity stewardship, cultural knowledge, conservation action, and personal growth.
The ship is still undergoing a few mechanical assessments and testing, so our departure from Nain has been delayed. In true expedition spirit, we’re embracing our motto, “Flexibility is Key!” This morning, the youth are rotating through six workshops focused on subjects such as science, history, culture, and even knot-tying!
We invite you to follow our journey! Most updates will be posted on Facebook, where you can like, comment, and share with family and friends. You can also follow the journey on Instagram and YouTube. For all relevant expedition information, please visit the landing page on our website. For the full gallery click here.