In the morning we did a Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (better known as IQ) exercise where we were put into groups and discussed the 8 IQ principles of Nunavut. For those who do not know what they are guiding principles that the Inuit have laid out to be incorporated into everything including schooling. These principles are ones that I honestly thing everyone on earth should follow and they really encourage a sense of community, a sense of caring for one and other and the environment.
Here is a copy of them, but I think the spelling of the Inuktitut words might be in a different dialect than used here in Cape Dorset.
After that, we all worked together to prepare lunch for our trip. My job was boiling 3 dozen eggs, peeling them, mashing them, opening a lot of cans of tuna, and dishes. Though one of our staff seemed to find pity on me, and ended up peeling most the eggs for me. She also made and baked about 80 baniks in about 15 minutes flat and she reminds me of my mom; loving, funny, efficient in the kitchen, and she probably would have preferred me not in her kitchen, but tolerated me because she likes me... just like my mom!
After that us new Qallunaat (not Inuit) staff were asked what we were wearing on the trip. I showed my layers and my snowboarding jacket and was asked where my parka was and my snow pants. Terin and I quickly went home and swapped our gear... one thing Nick (our professor from down south) always taught us was that you listen to the Inuit; they know better than us... and he's right, they do.
Once we all were ready, those of us who don't have vehicles headed down to the shore line on the bug, where we waited a while. My chaperone to school everyday, Jack (the dog that follows me) was there and I was happy to see him as I hadn't seen him in a couple days. I played with him while we waited then the boats showed up. There were three boats that were like GIANT canoes with motors, and one boat that reminded me of the boat my uncle Gordon use to have.
Getting ready to leave the school.
The bus literally dropped us off at the shoreline.
My students named my walking buddy "Jack". I'm pretty sure Jack the cat would not be impressed. Apparently Jack is a mix of a lot of dogs.
I know I felt like the Michelin Man in my layers, lol
We climbed in and set off...(For anyone wondering, I took non drowsy Gravol from about 9am on, and I actually did not get the least bit sea sick, which surprised me). As we boated along we noticed some HUGE icebergs that made every other iceberg I've seen up here look like an ice cube. Terin asked if we could go see them, and to our surprise the captain took us! It was unreal! I still feel like it was fake!
On the boat. I was praying I wasn't going to get sea sick, and I didn't! Though the fear was with me the whole time.
One of the icebergs.
This isn't the boat I was in, but it was the same as this. This is one of the other boats.
Iceberg!
Etukaluk and me enjoying the ride... Cape Dorset in the background.
The backside of one of the icebergs.
Learning how to set up the tent.
Lining up the ropes.
Success!
Our campsite for the day.
Hotdogs!
Traditional fox trap.
Elisapee set these up a little ways from our campsite, and for a split second I panicked thinking a caribou was coming over the hill.
An ugly fish! One of the drivers granddaughters who joined on the trip found it. I think Terin ate it later, but I'm not sure.
Nanuk claw... Polar bear claw I found
My finds from the day. I was unsure if I could take it home, but the Inuit staff said I could.
Our amazing captains! Got us safely there and home! Thank you!
