A chequered skipper butterfly, pictured here, is one of many insect species the Nunavik Sentinels have researched in the North. Locally employed staff play an important role in helping researchers understand insect biodiversity and ecosystems in the north, says the program’s co-ordinator. (Photo courtesy of Maxim Larrivée)
Participation of locally employed researchers helps understand northern biodiversity, program co-ordinator says
Discovering insects in places where they don’t usually live is what has the Nunavik Sentinels eager to return to northern Quebec, program co-ordinator Amélie Grégoire Taillefer says.
Aden Beaulne is hoisted in celebration after winning a 22-kilometre dogsled race with a time of one hour and 20 minutes. The race was one part of this year’s Puvirnituq Snow Festival, a celebration of Inuit culture held from March 21 to 26. Other competitions took place as a part of the festival, including igloo and inukshuk building, ice sculpting and shooting. The evenings featured indoor entertainment at Puvirnituq’s gym, including traditional and contemporary music and dance performances. (Photo courtesy of Peter Novalinga/Puvirnituq Snow Festival)
Students in a Kajusivik Adult Education class in Kuujjuaq learn the basics of qiviut, or muskox wool spinning, from instructor Rachel Guindon (third from left). From March 21 to 23, participants learned how to prepare and handle the fibre by using drop spindles and spinning wheels to create their own yarn. Students also learned about the history and ecology of muskox in Nunavik and about what can be made with qiviut. (Photo courtesy of Kajusivik Adult Education)