Article
Pride of Nunavut
By Ashley Kilabuk-Savard | June 18, 2020
Related expeditions: Heart of the Arctic, Greenland and Arctic Canada: High Arctic Explorer, and The Northwest Passage

© Dennis Minty
Article
By Ashley Kilabuk-Savard | June 18, 2020
Related expeditions: Heart of the Arctic, Greenland and Arctic Canada: High Arctic Explorer, and The Northwest Passage
© Dennis Minty
In April of 1999, the territory of Nunavut became formally recognized when the Northwest Territories was divided in two. One portion remained as the Northwest Territories and the other formed Nunavut. Geographically it is the largest Indigenous land claim area and affects the largest number of beneficiaries of any land claim in Canadian history.
Nunavut is my home base, and the culture and principles of the land and my people are my guiding force. Today I’d like to share some of the most impactful principles I hold dear.
In order to survive the harsh Arctic climate, it was necessary for my ancestors to work together as a community, looking out for each other and caring for everyone. There was no property, and sharing was a cultural custom. We are still very much community-oriented people.
Today I feel there is a never-ending amount of support from my fellow Inuit! We lift each other up and praise each other’s accomplishments. We still work together to achieve our goals, raise our families, enjoy the land, and simply to have fun.
© Michelle Valberg
Practical and powerful the ulu is a traditional knife used by Inuit women. Its continued use a reminder of Inuit ingenuity.
Inuit knowledge and culture helped us survive but also thrive in our unique Arctic climate. We made major advancements in technology, including snow goggles, harpoons, toggled harpoon heads, and the qajaq (kayak). All tools and technologies were formed from the environment and allowed us to make the Arctic our home.
Our recent history has been a rapid shift from traditional life, to a more Western lifestyle. The systematic assimilation almost eradicated our language and culture. The last hundred years have been times of intense colonization, assimilation, and mammoth cultural adaptation. Our way of life from the previous century is almost unrecognizable.
© Andrew Bresnahan
Ashley Kilabuk-Savard
I have also experienced the trauma of colonization and carried the intergenerational pain of my own family’s experience. As I have grown, I have come to appreciate the power of my environment. As a child I did not recognize the rejuvenating qualities that come from my own personal and Inuit’s collective connection to our land. It is my right and privilege to draw on the land and its bounty. I am grateful to learn and make these connections with our elders.
Our elders link us to our history, to our culture, and to the land. We are fortunate to still have this direct link to the elders. Their experiences and tenacity give us strength today. I am fortunate to be able to personally learn from this last generation of elders that lived the traditional lifestyle. Thanks to their support, young people are taking up the reigns and our cultural practices are undergoing an exciting revitalization—one that renews pride, purpose, and hope.
It gives a great sense of satisfaction seeing our people from all generations lead that front.
©Danny Catt
July 22 to August 3, 2024
From $5,995 to $14,295 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save 15% until May 31, 2023
Applies to berth cost only
©Dennis Minty
July 25 to August 5, 2023
From $8,995 to $17,295 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save up to 30% until March 31, 2023
Terms and conditions apply
*plus $576 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day)
©Andrew Stewart
August 5 to August 16, 2023
From $8,995 to $17,295 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save up to 30% until March 31, 2023
Terms and conditions apply
*plus $576 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day)
©Steven Rose
August 15 to August 27, 2024
From $9,995 to $18,295 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save 15% until May 31, 2023
Applies to berth cost only
©Jen Derbach
August 3 to August 15, 2024
From $9,995 to $18,295 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save 15% until May 31, 2023
Applies to berth cost only
August 16 to September 1, 2023
From $12,995 to $27,495 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save up to 30% until March 31, 2023
Terms and conditions apply
*plus $816 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day)
©Scott Forsyth
September 1 to September 17, 2023
From $12,995 to $27,495 USD
per person based on double occupancy
limited space available
*plus $816 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day)
©Dennis Minty
August 27 to September 12, 2024
From $13,995 to $28,495 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save 15% until May 31, 2023
Applies to berth cost only
©Dennis Minty
September 12 to September 28, 2024
From $13,995 to $28,495 USD
per person based on double occupancy
Save 15% until May 31, 2023
Applies to berth cost only