Igloolik Return of the Sun Update - By Carol Heppenstall

We had an exhilarating time in Igloolik this year with one our favorite Resource Guides, Jayson Kunnuk. Temperatures were in the -30's, a bit
warmer than on previous expeditions. Clear skies most days gave us spectacular stars and that amazing full moon that never sets. Highlights included an afternoon with Zach Kunuk and the Isuma Productions studio where we were privileged to view his latest documentary, Exile.

Zach has done a great deal for film and video in the North - not just for his own productions but with two other groups as well. We were delighted to entertain the women from
Arnait Video Co-op and loved their recently released "Before Tomorrow" that did so well at the Toronto Film Festival and is heading for Sundance. Madelaine Ivalu, Susan Avingaq and Carol Kunuk performed the lighting of the qudliq for us - the official welcome of the New Year.
Sunday morning we had crepes and coffee with Guillaume Saladin of ARTCIRQ - another start up assisted by Zach and what an amazing project it is involving the youth of the community. Guillume is the Son of Bernard Saladin d'Iglure, a world renowned anthropologist who specialized in early Arctic research in Igloolik. Like me, Guillume can't get enough of the Arctic!

Looking for another exciting winter excursion for next year, I connected with one of our past travellers - Debbie Last - who has helped me put together a fabulous week in the Yukon! Watch for the details in a soon to be mailed brochure but essentially we will participate in the annual Yukon Quest - a dog sledding tour de force and revel in northern light shows, Native arts and fantastic scenery out west. Call Judy Harper at 1-800-363-7566 to get your name on the list and stay tuned!