High School Graduation 2025

Friday, May 30, was a very big & special day for three high school students.  Graduation had finally arrived!  The students were excited to celebrate their successful completion of high school with family, friends, Elders, teachers, students, and community members.  Months of planning & organization by the Graduation Committee had all come down to this.

The festivities began in the morning at Inuujaq School.  The graduates changed into their pink graduation gowns and did a congratulatory walk down the main hallway to music.  Students & staff lined the hallway, applauded and cheered.  I filmed the event with the school’s camcorder.  The graduates did the walk twice.

The graduates were given the afternoon off to get ready for the evening ceremony at the local community hall.  High school & middle school students spent the afternoon decorating the community hall.  I assisted by transporting decorations with the help of a borrowed pickup truck.

I arrived at the community hall at 5:30pm.  The graduation dinner was set to begin at 6:00pm so I used the extra time to photograph the decorations.  High school & middle school did an excellent job.  The stage was fully decorated with balloons, banners, flowers, stars, chairs, a podium, and gold backdrop.  Rows of tables & chairs sat in front of the stage for dinner guests.  The chair covers were white and the tablecloths were red.  Flower decorations sat on gold runners on each table.  A long L-shaped red carpet ran down the centre of the hall, lined with small bright lights.  An arch decorated in red, pink, white, sat at the halfway point.  The hall looked ready for a celebration.

The graduates & dinner guests began arriving at 5:45pm.  The local hotel was hired to cater the event, and their staff moved all the prepared food, desserts, and drinks into the hall.  A line of tables set up against a wall served as the food tables.  By 6:00pm everything & everyone was ready.

The principal welcomed everyone to the graduation dinner.  An Elder blessed the food and the graduates were invited to get their food first.  Everyone else followed.  I waited for the line to thin out and then filled my plate with food.  The prepared menu was delicious.  Dinner lasted about an hour. 

We spent the next hour clearing & putting away the tables and rearranging the chairs to face the stage.  Untouched leftover food was placed in the foyer with takeout boxes & disposable cutlery.  People who attended the graduation ceremony were free to help themselves to leftovers.  People started arriving for the ceremony at 7:30pm and the hall quickly filled with spectators.  The ceremony began at 8:00pm.

Two Elders led an opening prayer and lighting of the ceremonial qulliq.  The graduates were escorted into the hall by their parents along the red carpet.  Their graduation gowns were pink.  Celebratory music played over loudspeakers.  Everyone clapped & cheered as the graduates took their seats on stage.  The music faded out and the audience sat down.

The principal addressed the audience & graduates.  She congratulated the graduates for completing high school and thanked the parents/guardians & community for assisting them and the teachers.  She encouraged the grads to continue their education, be it college, university, or both, and consider a career in education.

The graduates were presented their high school diplomas.  They were all smiles and received extended applauses from the audience.

The head of the local District Education Authority (DEA) took to the podium and congratulated the students for completing high school.  They also encouraged them to consider a career in education because Nunavut needs more teachers.  The students were then gifted a bursary of several hundred dollars.

The ceremony continued with awards.  The categories were Athletics, Inuktitut, English, Math & Science, Hamlet of Arctic Bay, and Governor General’s Academic Medal (GGAM).  All awards came with certificates, but some included cash prizes.  I had the honour of presenting the GGAM to the student with the highest academic average.  This year was close.  We almost had a tie. 

The graduates were given the chance to address the audience.  They thanked their families, friends, & teachers for helping them finish school.  Parents, guardians, and friends were also invited to say a few words.  They too thanked school staff for helping the graduates.

The principal did the closing remarks.  The graduates then stood up and exited the hall while celebratory music played.  They smiled & waved at the cheering audience.  The ceremony had come to an end.

School staff moved a table with red cloth over to a decorated wall.  A large graduation cake was carefully brought out and placed on the table.  The three graduates stood behind the cake and held a large cutting knife.  Many photos were taken.  The cake was cut into many pieces and handed out to the audience.  The grads got the first pieces.  A smaller Sponge Bob themed cake was made just for the graduates. 

School staff packed up items that belonged to the school, carried them outside, and placed them in the truck I borrowed from Frank.  I got a few volunteers to come with me to put everything inside the school.  Better to do it now than later. 

I dropped off Frank’s truck and walked home.  The graduates & their friends would continue to celebrate at the community hall with an evening dance.

A Quick Trip To Strathcona Sound

I decided to go out on the land for the day on May 18.  I didn’t want to stay home for the entire Victoria Day weekend.  The community’s annual Fishing Derby was happening but I’m not a fisherman in the traditional sense.  I do all my fishing at the grocery store.  The fish there are very considerate, arriving cut up and prepackaged. 

I spent an hour assembling my day supplies and got dressed in warm clothing.  The weather may be warmer, but that’s no reason to head out underdressed.  The Arctic weather can turn at a moment’s notice.  I did my last-minute checks as my skidoo warmed up.  Satisfied I had everything packed, I hopped on my snow machine and drove north towards Victor Bay.

I followed the Road to Victor Bay, passed a few cabins, and then onto the ice of Victor Bay.  There were clouds but also large patches of open blue sky.  I deployed my snow machine’s ice scratchers and then continued driving to Graveyard Point.  Ice scratchers are an accessory that kick up snow dust onto a snowmobile’s heat exchanger & suspension, lowering the risk of overheating.  I had also removed the right-side panel to expose the muffler to the cold. 

I continued along an established trail that cut across Victor Bay diagonally.  Snowdrifts cut across several parts of the trail, forcing me to slow down, and drive over natural speedbumps.  I arrived at Graveyard Point after 15 minutes.  I turned right and entered Strathcona Sound.  The snow around here is full of snowdrifts because of the currents coming from Admiralty Inlet.  I did my best to navigate around them.  Eventually, the snow smoothed out, enabling me to drive faster.  I stopped and decided to refuel my skidoo early, noticing the level of fuel lower than expected.  I poured the gasoline in dead silence and scanned the horizon for any curious polar bears.  The skidoo’s gas tank was full to the brim, but my spare gas can was empty.  I now had to pay closer attention.

The non-operational Nanisivik Naval Facility came into view and slowly got larger with every passing minute.  I stopped in front of the main dock and took a photo.  I looked beyond, to the east, deeper into Strathcona Sound.  I’ve been down that way a few times already and it’s become a favourite area to explore.  I pressed onwards, eventually reaching a speed of 85km/h when the ice became smooth. 

My destination was the frozen waterfall at the end of the hidden valley I explored in 2017 & 2021.  I wanted to see if anything changed in the last 4 years.  The hidden valley came into view and I turned left.  I drove off the ice and onto solid ground.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t much snow.  I hopped from one snow patch to another, trying to find a good path deeper into the valley.  The further I drove, the less snow there was.  I also noticed the engine temperature was rising.  I stopped in front of a slope leading up to a ledge I previously explored and turned off the engine.  I decided to hike up the slope and get a good look at the land ahead.  Having a better view would help me determine if I could continue driving.

I could see snow in the many streams snaking their way deeper into the valley.  I theorized I could follow one of them and get closer to the end.  However, previous experience has taught me that seeing snow on the ground does not mean it’s deep.  And then my mind reminded me about my empty gas can.  I could always walk the rest of the way, but that would be 6km in one direction, and I’d have to bring my supplies.  I sighed and sat on a large flat rock.  The frozen waterfall was out of reach this time.

I enjoyed the scenery and near dead silence.  (There was a little wind).  I ate a few snacks and then walked down to my skidoo.  I started the engine and drove slowly towards Strathcona Sound.  I entered the sound and followed the trail I created.  The return journey was now a race.  I hoped I had enough gas to make it back to town. 

To make a long story short, I safely made it back but on fumes.  There was only one bar of gas left.  There was a point I felt I would run out of gas either in Victor Bay or on the Road to Victor Bay.  Thankfully, that didn’t happen.  I need to buy a larger gas LinQ gas can for the future.

My day trip out on the land was fun despite not reaching my intended destination.  It was good to just get out of the house and enjoy the Arctic landscape.

 

Nunavut Commissioner’s Awards

The people of Arctic Bay gathered at the local community hall in the afternoon on May 14 for a special event: the Nunavut Commissioner’s Awards (NCA).  Nunavut’s commissioner, Eva Aariak, travelled to the community, along with MLA David Akeeagok, to publicly recognize and congratulate residents for their many years of service to the Government of Nunavut (GN) and community.  Eva Aariak is from Arctic Bay and served as Nunavut’s second premier.  David Akeeagok is a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Quttiktuq electoral district, representing Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, and Grise Fiord.  I’ve previously met Aariak & Akeeagok.

Chairs lined the walls of the hall, leaving a large open space in the middle.  An awards table was set up in front of the stage and was filled with certificates, plaques, and medals.  A speaker’s podium stood to the side.  I sat at the back. 

The ceremony began with an Elder saying a prayer.  Akeeagok took to the podium to welcome everyone and introduce himself & Aariak.  Aariak spoke next, saying she was happy to be back and proud of the people in her birth community doing so much for the town & territory.

Commissioner Eva Aariak & MLA David Akeeagok.

Two ladies performed throat songs to the delight of the audience & guests.

Throat singers perform.

David Akeeagok & Grade 1 Teacher.

Inuujaq School’s Grade 1 teacher was the first recipient of the NCA for over 40 years of teaching.  Next was a municipal councillor who put in many years of service in the GN and volunteer work in the community.  Many Elders were called up to be recognized for their years of GN service, volunteer work, being knowledge keepers, and providing guidance for youth.  They stood in front of the stage, receiving applauses and having their pictures taken.

Arctic Bay Elders.

Eva Aariak & former Head Nurse.

Two more teachers were awarded certificates for over 20 years of service.  The former head nurse received a certificate & medal for 30+ years of service at the local health centre.  The former Recreation Coordinator was recognized for running evening sports & activities as well as coaching & participating at the Arctic Winter Games. 

I was glad I came dressed in my semi-formal work attire because my name was called.  I stood in front of the awards table and Aariak announced I was receiving the Commissioner’s Volunteer Award for my years of working & running the local army cadet corps.  I originally thought the award was for my years of teaching.  I was humbled anyway.  The commissioner presented a certificate & medal.  A photo of us was taken.  I returned to my seat with my head held high.  I made a mental note to notify my military superiors.  Thank you, Arctic Bay for believing & supporting me!

Me receiving my medal & certificate from Eva Aariak.

The community’s Search & Rescue team and Rangers were awarded plaques for their years of service, dedication, and keeping the community safe.

Search & Rescue.

Rangers.

The ceremony came to an end, and everyone lined up to get snacks at the reception tables.  A few people personally congratulated me & shook my hand.  I treated myself to a few snacks before making my exit.  I now have two good reasons to buy a photo frame & medal display stand.

Spring Camp for Staff 2025

May 9 was the last day of Inuujaq School’s Spring Camp and reserved for staff.  District Education Authority (DEA) members were also invited to participate.  The DEA assists in running the school and how the budget is spent.  Students were given the day off.

Staff arrived in the early morning, dress & packed for a day out on the land.  The remaining food supplies were moved down to the ice where the convoy of skidoos, qamutiks (sleds), and drivers waited.  The supplies were divided & packed into the qamutiks.  The staff also divided themselves and found seating on qamutiks & skidoos.  I drove my own skidoo.  The convoy left at 9:30am and then split into two groups heading to separate locations.

Staff were given a choice of either Pattaataliarusiq or Iqalulik.  The first choice was closer to Arctic Bay and where students went.  Iqalulik is a popular fishing lake 45 kilometres south of Arctic Bay and about a two-hour drive by snowmobile.  The lake is located inland.  I had driven by this lake on several occasions but never actually visited the place.  I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass.

I drove across Adam’s Sound, heading southwest towards Admiralty Inlet.  Even though I wasn’t towing a qamutik, I kept a close eye on the skidoo engine temperature gauge.  I didn’t want another engine overheating incident like last year.  I stopped and photographed a large iceberg.  I rounded the southern point, entered Admiralty Inlet and followed an established skidoo trail.  I spotted a line of 4 black dots in the distance.  It was the convoy heading to Iqalulik.  I closed the distance and joined the line.  We stopped for a quick break and then continued driving. 

Iqalulik

The convoy turned east, drove off the ice, and followed an inland skidoo trail the lake.  There was one section of the trail that went across clear ice, so we had to drive slowly to avoid spinning.  The trail rounded a small hill and then gave way to a breathtaking valley with tall mountains with steep cliffs on both sides.  We stopped in the middle of the frozen lake.  Silence enveloped us as we turned off our snowmobile engines.  The time was 11:30am.

There was noticeable wind blowing, but we were warmly dressed.  You can’t let the sunny blue skies deceive you.  It may be May, but the Arctic weather can turn on a whim.  I stood, took in the majestic scenery, and then took out my camera.  I photographed & filmed my surroundings.  The Arctic feels like another planet.  It’s a place you must (safely) experience if you get the chance.  It’s one of the reasons why I stay.

Two men unpacked and assembled an electric ice auger with several extensions.  The ice can be as much as 9 feet thick!  They worked in unison and drilled a few ice holes while a third person shoveled away snow & ice.  They also stood on their skidoos on two occasions.  I never would have thought of that.  I helped them finish drilling one ice hole.  Having more than one person operate an ice auger makes things much easier. 

Lunch consisted of Sapporo Ichiban chicken flavoured noodles, Tim Hortons hot chocolate, tea, & Bannock.  I also brought Goldfish crackers.

The Arctic wind subsided in the afternoon as we each picked an ice hole to jig.  I borrowed jigging equipment from a staff member.  I’ve been told that people spend hours or even an entire day jigging for fish.  They sit on comfortable seats and/or cushions and have a thermos of coffee or tea & snacks at the ready.  Possessing patience and sunscreen is a must.  I only jigged for around 20 – 30 minutes and didn’t catch anything.  Some people caught a few small fish.         

We stayed at Iqalulik until 3:30pm.  Some of the staff said they would return to fish again and even lay fish nets under the ice.  We packed everything up and drove back the way we came. 

Iqalulik.

I was the last one in the convoy, and everything was going well . . . until we drove over that patch of ice on the inland trail.  I wasn’t driving fast, but apparently it was fast enough for my skidoo to suddenly spin.  I tried to maintain control, but my snowmobile hit a rock and flipped onto its side.  I let go and fell to the ground.  I didn’t land on rocks.  I immediately stood up and turned off the engine.  I wasn’t in pain.  My Backcountry skidoo is lighter than my old Expedition skidoo.  I tried but didn’t have the strength to push my machine back onto the track.  Thankfully, a staff member had come back to check on me because everyone ahead noticed I wasn’t following.  He helped me get my skidoo back on its track and told me to drive ahead of him.  Thankfully, the engine still worked.

Ice hole.

The other staff members were waiting where the trail enters Admiralty Inlet.  I stopped and explained what happened.  The plastic bracket holding the windshield was broken on one side and only being held by the remaining 2 screws.  A staff member’s husband instructed me to drive ahead of the convoy so that if my machine breaks down, I wouldn’t be left behind.  I agreed to the plan and informed everyone where I would stop for breaks.  We got back on our snow machines and proceeded north towards Arctic Bay.

Admiralty Inlet. Skidoo trail heading north towards Arctic Bay.

St Georges Cliffs. Near Arctic Bay.

I had to drive slower and periodically hold the windshield in place.  I should have packed duct tape.  The convoy behind me broke off a few times to look for seals, but they eventually caught up to me.  To make a long story short, we successfully made it back to Arctic Bay by 5:30pm.  Finding a mechanic to fix my windshield was now on my to do list.

The day trip to Iqalulik was a success despite my skidoo wipeout.  I got to see another part of Nunavut for the first time.