Carol Ipkangnak, 17, says she learned a lot about science, art and hiking during the lllecillewaet Expedition through B.C.’s Glacier National Park. Ipkangnak and nine other girls were part of an annual expedition of scientists, artists and hiking guides, meant to inspire young Canadian women. (Photo courtesy of Girls on Ice Canada)
Igloolik teen chosen for 12-day glacial adventure
Program aims to inspire girls through hiking, science, art and nature
A teenager from Igloolik took part in a 12-day adventure through British Columbia’s Glacier National Park after she was chosen from more than 100 other teenaged female applicants to participate in Girls on Ice Canada.
“We learned a lot by doing,” said 17-year-old Carol Ipkangnak in an interview about the trip, adding her time in B.C.’s mountains left her feeling “inspired.”
The expedition started July 21 and ran through Aug. 1. Ten girls took part.
They embarked on the Illecillewaet Expedition, which started in Calgary with a drive to Rogers Pass in B.C., where they camped at Illecillewaet campground. From there, they hiked through the Illecillewaet Valley and made their way to the Asulkan Glacier and the Asulkan Hut.
The hike from Illecillewaet campground to the Asulkan Hut took seven hours but was a highlight, Ipkangnak said.
“It was literally one of the best moments. I felt really exhausted. Like my body couldn’t handle it,” she said about that leg of the journey.
Girls on Ice is hosted by the non-profit organization Alpine Club of Canada. It aims to inspire young women to be future leaders by joining exploratory expeditions through the Canadian wilderness. There are three expeditions teens can apply for: Illecillewaet Expedition, which Ipkangnak participated in; Yukon Expedition, and Kootenays Expedition.
The group is accompanied by certified mountain guides, scientists and artists.
“We talked about science, we talked about the glacier,” Ipkangnak said. They also created art and learned about hiking and safety out on the trail.
The program helps youths make connections between science, art and adventure, said Chimira Andres, who holds a PhD in geophysics and has been volunteering with the program since 2021.
“I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was in high school,” she said.
“We learn outside,” Andres said. “Were sitting in front of a glacier and having a lesson about glaciers; we were sitting in front of a thimbleberry bush and we were drawing the anatomy of this berry bush plant.”
Organizers focus on bringing in students from grades 10 to 12 because they are often on the cusp of deciding what to do next with their lives, Andres said.
They are exposed to art, science, nature, hiking and mountaineering, in the hope that they become inspired.
“We all come from different perspectives and different parts of Canada,” Andres said.
“We all come together for these 12 days and form this family. Relationships are a big part of this program. We become mentors — our participants have friendships that last forever.”
Very, very inspiring indeed. Congratulations to you, Carol; and to your family and friends who will absorb your inspiration.
Looking great, exhausting. Forestry Forrest a YouTube channel has a lot of footage of the W and the region and into the US, mountain treks. Good stuff!