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Kimmirut

Initiation Camp - April 2007

Kimmirut Initiation Camp, April 16-22, 2007

We encountered perfect snow and wind conditions during this week long initiation camp. A number of factors contributed to the success of the Camp including enthusiastic participation from the school's teachers and students making clinics extremely fun and productive. Local young adults were particularly interested in and excited about this new activity, and with growing interest from other community members, we held an impromptu evening clinic for adults only. During our stay, we were lucky enough to explore one nearby lake and take a ride on the ice bank to the flow edge - a must for riders attracted by the Arctic wilderness. Kimmirut has certainly shown its potential to develop top riders and trainers as well as an exceptional snow park, its true potential still to be discovered.
Use the arrow above to get an overview in picture.

	Meeting with a dynamic and organized team

		As we left Iqaluit in a Twin Otter aircraft for Kimmirut we had a nice close-up view of the mountains and the plateau. Upon arrival we were greeted by Lloyd, a French Canadian from Valleyfield, Quebec, the home of Paraski Flex. Lloyd helped us store our cargo and then took us on a tour of the village. The next morning we met with Erin Gordey, the Community Economic Development Officer and the person responsible for organizing our trip and the Camp, as well as Jamiesie, the newly appointed recreation coordinator, and teachers Pascal and Larry. We were then introduced to Rangers Matto and Kooyoo who would spend the week with us. After setting up the cargo in the kamutik and installing the first Snow Park sign near the main access to the bay, we rode down less than a kilometer to find the perfect spot for the initiation camp. Once the tent was set up, we gathered together to discuss the program for the week under the attentive eye of Kimmirut community member, Joannie, before going out for a test drive. more pictures...

	Enthusiastic school classes raising sails and smiles

		Throughout the week, each of the teachers brought their classes to the snow park. Kooyoo and Matto were extremely busy. They taxied the teachers and students on and off the bay with the kamutik, actively participated in teaching the youngest children, and provided additional security in this area well know for its polar bears. As our team grew, we were able to introduce 25 to 30 people each day to kite skiing. Whether the wind was blowing at 10 kilometers per hour or 40 kilometers per hour, everyone learned to fly a Paraski and had an amazing experience. Even the smallest participant in Cristina's class - a nine-year old, 60 pound child - was able to handle, and enjoy, these easy going sails. Class of Pascal ...more pictures... Class of Larry ...more pictures... Class of Cristina ...more pictures...

	Fishing, and riding in deep snow on Soper Lake

		On Wednesday the wind was coming in straight from the north, a difficult angle for our position on the bay. We packed the equipment into the two kamutits and went to nearby Soper Lake. As we arrived, the wind died down so Matto quickly began digging a hole for a spur-of-the-moment cod fishing lesson. A few of us took turns digging and shuffling the ice in order to get through almost four feet of ice. Under the supervision of Matto, Alain promptly caught his first "Arctic" fish. As we fished, the wind began to pick up, enough that all Kan's classes were able to enjoy Kite Skiing on the foot-deep snow. And for Alain, the 20 kilometer per hour wind gave him the necessary thrust to power him up the nearby mountains, enabling him to get airborne on a few occasions on his way down - a perfect ending to his day! more pictures...

	An evening for adults only!

		Tuesday, after a full day with three elementary classes visiting us, and interest quickly building throughout the community, we developed an impromptu evening session to accommodate those who were working during the day. From seven to nine thirty in the evening, members of the community were invited to experience kite skiing. Helped by a gentle wind, perfect for novice skiers, we soon witnessed some good riding skills and talented people on skiis and snowboards. more pictures...

	Flow edge, an interesting ride for adrenaline driven visitors

		Having completed a successful morning with two clinics for school classes, Friday afternoon saw wind gusts reach 50 kilometres per hour. We took this opportunity to ride down wind toward the flow edge - an even more appealing prospect once Kooyoo proposed bringing us back, saving us a difficult climb back against the wind. What a treat! Kooyoo followed us on his snowmobile with the kamutik, making sure we knew the road to take between the islands and the ice walls. Riding this frozen water arm at average speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour and gliding along the ice sleeves formed by the ice walls on both sides carved by the 37 feet tide, we enjoyed a 13 kilometer ride that slowly opens up to larger ice fields surrounded by small islands. Near the flow edge, the ice bank gets very wide and offers kilometers of effortless riding in this strong steady wind. The only thing that prevented us from riding further was the knowledge that this was polar bear fishing ground. Once we reached the flow edge we could see the ice had already begun breaking up as the skidoo trail continued right into the water. It was April 19 on the open water of the Hudson Straight, toward Kangiqsujuaq. We could see a big iceberg drifting past, and on the shore the fresh bear paw prints reminded us of how fortunate we were to have the security of a Canadian Ranger with us. Thanks Kooyoo for the ride back home! more pictures...

	Special thanks to:

		The people in Kimmirut for their enthusiastic participation and positive energy. The school teachers for their coordinated and supportive participation. First-Air Staff and Ken Borek for their support and assistance, ensuring the safe arrival of our important cargo. The Kimmirut Hamlet, specifically Erin Gordey and Jamiesie Judea. The Canadian Rangers, specifically Kooyoo and Matto, for their daily assistance and their cooperation and collaboration with camp activities. David Fulgham at Qikiqtaaluk Information Technology Corporation (QITC) for the Internet access. Ø Stephanie at the Kimmirut Inn for her delicious meals. by Guy Laflamme