Expedition Team, Experts, and Guides

Heart of the Arctic 2025

July 24 to August 5, 2025

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Special Guests

  • Jill Heinerth

    Jill Heinerth

    Canadian Geographic Ambassador

    Jill is an underwater explorer, writer, photographer, speaker, and filmmaker.

Nature and Culture

  • Looee Okalik

    Looee Okalik

    Inuit Cultural Educator

    Looee is an Inuit Cultural Educator from Panniqtuuq, Nunavut.

  • Wayne Broomfield

    Wayne Broomfield

    Inuit Cultural Educator, Expedition Team

    Wayne is an avid adventurer with a deep commitment to sustainability from northern Labrador, Canada.

  • Dr. Lauren Erland

    Dr. Lauren Erland

    Botanist

    Plant biologist, botanist, and occasional chemist studying how plants perceive and respond to changing environments, through the language of plant hormones.

  • Peter Croal

    Peter Croal

    Geologist

    Peter is passionate about sharing the amazing geological treasures in Canada’s Arctic. Rocks rule!

Arts

  • Adam Ruzzo

    Adam Ruzzo

    Musician, Expedition Team

    Adam is a long-time musician with an eclectic performing background, an avid traveller, and passionate about all things history and culture!

Core Expedition Team

  • Daniel Freeze

    Daniel Freeze

    Assistant Expedition Leader

    Dan is an avid outdoorsman who spends as much time as possible pursuing adventure. He loves backcountry skiing, climbing, and the thrill of polar travel.

  • Robert Comeau

    Robert Comeau

    Host

    Robert is a student at law, a qajaq builder, and an Inuk social and cultural historian.

Expedition Team

  • John Houston

    John Houston

    Inuit Art Specialist, Arctic Filmmaker, Expedition Team

    John grew up among Inuit while his parents showed Inuit art to the world. He uses storytelling, filmmaking and art to bridge the cultural gap.

  • Barb Parsons-Sooley

    Barb Parsons-Sooley

    Kayak Guide

    Barb is from St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador and is passionate about hiking, kayaking, and sharing outdoor experiences with others.

  • Rogier Gruys

    Rogier Gruys

    Kayak Guide

    Rogier is a passionate protected area specialist with a background in ecology and tourism. He loves sharing his passions with visitors and through his photography.

  • Klarisse Estepa

    Klarisse Estepa

    Expedition Medic

    Klarisse is a nurse in northern British Columbia who loves embarking on new adventures.

  • Liz Carlson

    Liz Carlson

    Expedition Team

    Liz is an author, travel writer, photographer, and internet storyteller. Her passions include plants, whale rescues, and strong coffee. She’s a big dreamer and a total bird nerd.