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Canku Ota |
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(Many Paths) |
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An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America |
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December 29, 2001 - Issue 52 |
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Arctic Bay Teen First Inuk to Travel to Antarctica |
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by Kirsten Murphy
Nunatsiaq News -December 21, 2001
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credits:
Nunavut Flag
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Five
weeks ago, Jesse Tungilik of Arctic Bay was buried in math problems and
cadet drills.
Today, Tungilik is one of 45 high school students breathing in the Antarctics salty air with "Students on Ice." The two-week expedition to the southern hemisphere is a hands-on study of geography and rare flora and fauna. Tungilik, 17, is likely the first Nunavut Inuk to travel to the worlds most southern ice cap an accolade he wears modestly. "Its great, Im excited and surprised," he said of the unexpected adventure. To mark the historic trip, Tungilik packed a Nunavut flag, which hell leave flying upon his departure. Hours before stepping on a plane last week, Tungilik recounted the rapid chain of events. Through a friend, his mother Johanne Coutu, who lives in Arctic Bay, heard of a last-minute spot. Tungilik, who lives in Campbell River, B.C., was interested but apprehensive. Then word came hed been accepted. "Ive packed plenty of warm clothes, some reading materials and some music. I grew up in the cold so it will be nice to experience it again," he said. Tungiliks dream is to work with the Coast Guard which is why he moved to Campbell River to live with a host family two years ago. He took science courses throughout high school and joined a cadet program not available in Arctic Bay. He graduated last year and has been upgrading his math marks. Upon his return from the South, hell start applying to colleges. "Sometimes I think it would be easier to come back (to Arctic Bay). I miss the land, its where I grew up. But Im always busy here. My mind is always occupied," Tungilik said. The trip to the Antarctic is not a vacation. Homework was assigned in advance. On-site lectures will cover the history of Antarctic exploration, the Antarctic Treaty, glaciology, eco-tourism and global warming. The programs goal is to create Antarctic ambassadors with an understanding and respect for the earth as a global ecosystem. Of course, there will be time for fun, including boat trips, whale watching, hiking and photography perhaps even time for writing post cards. Coutu, a wildlife officer, is understandably pleased. She misses her son but applauds his dedication. "Im proud he has a goal that hes going for. A lot of youth dont know what they want to do," she said. "He wants a career on the ocean and the Drake Passage has some of the roughest waters in the world so this is a good opportunity. Its been really hard having him away from home hes my baby." Tungilik returns on Dec. 29. He hopes to visit Arctic Bay this summer. |
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Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry. |
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