Conclusion of a successful second phase
The team on arrival at Cambridge Bay
The 2008 section of the Arctic Voice Expedition (Phase 2) was completed as the expedition team, Alison Sigethy, Julie Urquhart, Stephen Doughty and Glenn Morris arrived safely in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island’s southern coast at the beginning of September. The team had been stormbound in their tents on the portage at the eastern end of the Elu Inlet for many days, pinned down by high winds and rain so it was with considerable satisfaction that they set foot on the shore and were welcomed by the Arctic community.
It took a considerable time to sort out all the expedition equipment ready to be freighted back to the UK. Thanks are due to the tolerant staff Inns North who happily made the conference room available for the mountain of gear and kayaks.
The team were very happy to meet many of the people that had provided help, shelter and food on the long journey from Kugluktuk via Bathurst Inlet. As always in the Arctic towns the hospitality was overwhelming. The team would like thank the following residents of Cambridge Bay for all their help and hospitality.
- Henry and Susie for interpreting and bannock and lifts to the airport; Rob and Sophie Harmer for providing Glenn and Alison with accommodation; Inns North for use of conference centre; Eddie and Martina for hot food and shelter; Cathie Rowan and Roni Onokannoak for agreeing to participate in the schools links with the UK; Neville Crabbe CBC radio; Michelle Gillis, Mayor of Cambridge Bay, for support of the Arctic Voice Project; Jerry and Julia for all their help with moving kit and for enthusiasm for the project.
The team said goodbye to Julie who sadly had to return to the UK. She had proved to be a steady and determined member of the team bringing clear thinking and humour to the expedition at all times. Next to leave was Stephen. Stephen and Glenn completed the first phase of the expedition, kayaking from Inuvik to Kugluktuk in 2007. Stephen travelled on from Cambridge Bay to Gjoa Haven to carry out work in the town forging links between the schools in Gjoa Haven and Scotland. Fiona Doughty has been working hard to pave the way between the two schools and the expedition is pleased to report that an exchange has been successfully arranged for 2009.
Stephen oversaw the expedition provisions (as well as most of the cooking!) and was also the expedition’s navigator – a responsible job indeed given the topography.
(I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the home team – in the form of Pippa Rose and Louise Rose-Morris. Pippa has worked hard over the past two years to raise the profile of the project and ensure the school twinning initiative runs well. She and Louise Rose-Morris have given up their time during two summer holidays to run the blog for the expedition – for which we are very grateful. )
Alison and Glenn took advantage of their remaining days in town to undertake interviews with elders and give a presentation to the local schools Al the team will take home happy memories of their time in the Arctic and send their best wishes to everyone in Kugluktuk, Umingmaktok, Bathurst Inlet and Cambridge Bay.
Below are a few memories of Cambridge Bay.
Glenn Morris 11/08
Alison and Glenn with schoolchildren in Cambridge Bay
The team at Melville Sound
Inukshuk Cambridge Bay
