It is amazing with today’s technology and advancements how we can pursue a program or adventure almost into the unknown. The world as we know it has become our global village so there really isn’t the unknown, however, the conditions and terrain are the unknown.
In recognition of technology and acknowledging the application of new equipment, my grandson and several other individuals in our community and the region of Kitikmeot have taken a course in the study of ice and conditions. They can measure the thickness of the ice, length and strength of the current, the content of salt, and the movement of the ice as a result of the current.
This is valuable for local hunters and for the Hunters and Trappers Organizations in the safe passage for our organized hunts in country food provision such as Musk-oxen and caribou along with fish as well. This is helpful too in reminding inter-community travelers crossing the strait of where it might not be safe to cross.
For anyone out there who have the thought of adventuring into the North with oversized vehicles – one has to collect any and all information of the trail they are going to cut or travel through. I am referring quite clearly to the National Geographic group that were fortunate in not experiencing a fatality but could have. A valuable lesson from this experience is to get in touch with the local HTO’s and have their trained Smart Ice individuals map out the safest route and not assume that the vehicles though amphibious could break through the ice as was the case. Everyone is aware of the effects of global warming and the extreme danger of not knowing the ice thickness or current beneath.
By checking and asking questions we are working in the IQ Principles issue of working together for a common cause and showing respect for the environment.