Getting Ready

Our dream trip to Mongolia began months before, when students in the NS program did their own research and Powerpoint presentations to persuade their classmates on where we ought to go this year. The presentations were made in November, 2007.

After one of the most intense and lengthy debates ever held at NS, Mongolia won on the very last ballot (over Iceland), much to the delight of Emily Karpik (right) who was the main advocate for it. Here she is with Victoria Kakuktinniq pointing to our destination on the map!

Months of fundraising then followed. Students received donations from a wide variety of sources, including hamlets, Inuit organizations, businesses and non-profit groups throughout Nunavut. They also raised funds by performing in Ottawa at various events such as Winterlude and the Northern Lights Trade Show. The two largest donations came from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and Nunasi Corporation.

Eventually, the money was raised, the itinerary was in place (special kudos to NS instructor Jackie Price for her masterful job), the snappy new jackets and hoodies arrived with our names and logos on them, and we were ... READY TO GO!
(Seated) Instructors David Serkoak, Jackie Price
(Middle row L-R) Kelly Karpik (Kimmirut), Emily Karpik (Pangnirtung), Megan Porter (Gjoa Haven), Jacky Nutarakittuq (Igloolik), Susie Kununak (Gjoa Haven), Kamele Isnor (Cambridge Bay), Victoria Kakuktinniq (Rankin Inlet), Alexandra Anaviapik (Pond Inlet), Kiah Hachey (Baker Lake);
(Third Row L-R) Murray Angus (instructor) David Topilak (Kugluktuk), Robbie Nuyalia (Iqaluit), Ken Kilabuk (Pangnirtung), Lori Tagoona (Rankin Inlet).