Exchange Trip to Cambridge Bay Brings Carleton Inuit Students Closer to Culture and Land
A group of Inuit undergraduate students from a range of academic disciplines at Carleton University travelled to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, in March, as part of a unique, land-based learning experience offered by the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement (CISCE).
The eight-day trip, organized in collaboration with Nunavut Arctic College, Polar Knowledge Canada and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), provided students with a rare opportunity to engage with Inuit culture, land and community. The support of these partner institutions was instrumental in facilitating connections with local residents and knowledge holders.
“The intention of this learning opportunity was to support southern-based Inuit students in reconnecting to land and community,” said Benny Michaud, Director of CISCE. “Not only are we supporting cultural reclamation we are actively connecting with students in the Cambridge Bay hamlet about programs and research at Carleton. In collaboration with our team, the students presented at the local high school and Nunavut Arctic College about Carleton’s Indigenous Enriched Support Program with the hope of inspiring students to pursue postsecondary studies.”
Students immersed themselves in community-based activities including a tour of the world-class CHARS facility, learning about northern entomological research and visiting Nunavut Arctic College where they connected with local students and shared insights about life at Carleton. With guidance from Elders, they participated in land-based safety training and hands-on experiences including igloo construction, exploring snow science and ice fishing using traditional methods.
“Watching the students learn from Elders while building igloos and fishing on the land was incredibly moving,” said Franco Buscemi, Inuit Community Liaison Officer, CISCE. “Students took the information shared by our elders seriously and that proved helpful when we spent a few days on the ice.”
“This trip was life-changing,” reflected Sabrina Stellmach, an Inuk Bachelor of Social Work student. “It showed me how amazing Inuit culture is and how adaptive and strong we are. I am proud to call myself Inuk and the trip has inspired me to support other urban Inuit students in finding their identities and place in the South.”
The exchange program strengthened bonds between the two learning communities and is a tangible step toward honouring the recommendations of Kinàmàgawin, advancing reconciliation and Indigenous resurgence through education that honours Inuit knowledge and ways of life.
For more information about the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement at Carleton, visit carleton.ca/indigenous/cisce.