Thank you to Iqaluit

It is with gratitude and appreciation that we write this letter to you and your citizens. For the past three and a half months we have resided with and amongst you. The lessons you have shared are deep and far-reaching.

We came to the Arctic to better understand your world and to hopefully share this understanding with our world. As college professors in the United States, Elizabeth and I will be overseeing a new course at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts on the historical and philosophical foundations of Arctic peoples. Our first-hand experiences with you and your people will go a long way toward helping BSC students understand the Arctic.

Many professors come north to enhance their understanding of the Arctic. Most come alone or with other colleagues who have similar interests. Our two most important colleagues are our children: Zoe, 11, and Parker, 6. They have added much to our journey. Through them we were able to gain valuable insights into education, recreation, and peer relationships.

The experiences, knowledge, and additional questions we have as a result of our stay are numerous. You may wish to look at some of these in greater detail on our web page. The page contains my journal and several photographs. The address is: http://www.bridgew.edu/arctic.

There are many folks in Iqaluit who we would like to thank for helping make this a life-enriching journey.

These folks include Bruce Rigby, Susan Sammons and Peter Kusugak, Mary and David Wilman, David and Leslie Serkoak, Mary Ellen Thomas, Ron and Carol McLean, Caroline Cournoyer and the elder throat singers from Quebec, Peter Geikie, Renata Solski, Diane Dennison, John Mathews, the Iqaluit Dance Club, Gayle Reddick and Zinour Fathoullin, the resourceful librarians at Nunavut Arctic College and Iqaluit Centennial, and Keesak Nowdlak.

In addition to these new friends, we would like to thank the many outstanding young people who have been so important to our understanding of the Arctic. You are the future. Take the wisdom that has been shared with you, and like those that came before, move forward with dignity and grace. As you proceed remember this advice from Keesak,” There is always room for another good idea.”