Cold weather, rain, build confidence in Nunavik youth canoeing group

Updated on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 3:15 p.m. ET

Strong winds, rain and a turbulent Koksoak River brought an “unforgettable adventure” to a group of Nunavik youths and organizers earlier this summer, according to organizer Kim Alison.

The group was on the land for the Ikaartuit program, organized by Nurrait – Jeunes Karibus, a non-profit organization that offers outdoor programming for youth in Nunavik.

The Ikaartuit program exposes youths facing difficulties to adventures that help them learn their strengths.

This year, eight participants between the ages of 14 and 25 from across Nunavik took on a 50-kilometre, six-day kayaking expedition in June.

“Even though there were huge waves, the kids were doing so good,” said Judith Naluiyuk, who guided the crew.

She said even though a few kayakers flipped in the cold river water, they were not demoralized.

“They were so confident, and comfortable with that, they simply continued on,” she said, adding these experiences helped the youths discover healthy ways to face challenges.

“They are able to really feel their emotions, instead of running away from them or using substances. This expedition helped them find themselves.”

The weather proved to be challenging from the get-go, said Alison. It was cold in Kuujjuaq, with snow and bit of hail, as they were preparing to depart.

But, “[the participants] never complained about the weather,” she said in a French interview. “They would take everything with a smile.”

Alison said kayaking in the wind was the biggest challenge on the river.

“Some of the youth never did that before and it could be difficult to find your balance and not tip over,” she said, adding they all took on the challenges as they came.

“As the week went on, more and more of them would take on tasks, and asked us how they could help.”

During the group’s most challenging day, when rain and wind was hitting the group full throttle, one of the youths was able to start a fire while the others were hoisting their kayaks onto the beach.

It was this youth’s first time making a fire.

“Initiatives like that relieve the group, it is an example of how someone can support their group and be a good leader,” Alison said.

Unfortunately, the kayakers were not able to paddle back to Kuujjuaq as they had intended. By the final day, the winds were so strong and the waves so intense that they opted to return by boat.

“But the group was still smiling,” said Alison. “They were happy, they were proud of what they had accomplished.”

She said she found the youths benefitted by being disconnected from social media, and that they were “grateful to have had that step back from technology.”

The kayakers returned home to Kuujjuaq on June 29.

Nurrait – Jeunes Karibus is now in Salluit hosting a three-week project which involves another eight participants building a cabin.

When winter comes, Nurrait – Jeunes Karibus will turn to skiing and winter camping expeditions for youth groups.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the name and details of the kayaking program that took place on the Koksoak River. The accompanying photo has also been updated to show the kayakers from that excursion.