Day Two
Here it was, the day we had been waiting for with much anticipation: our "visit to Pangnirtung" (called "Pang" for short). This was our chance to learn more about the Inuit culture (their whaling and sealing industry.) The visit started with a forty-five minute flight north. Pang is about ninety-five percent Inuit. The community was very hospitable to our group.

When travelling up North, you are reminded to always be packed and prepared for the unknown. Ironically, we had that experience when our small plane landed at the gravel runway in Pang and blew a tire! Unfortunately, there was no spare tire at the Pang airport so they had to call for a plane from Iqaluit to bring one. As if that wasn't enough, the visibility ceiling in Pang had dropped enough that the plane with our tire could not land. It circled Pang until it had to go back to Iqaluit to re-fuel. At this time, we were told that the ceiling may not change and we might have to spend the night in Pang. Immediately members of the Pang community offered help. However, within another hour the ceiling had lifted and we were on our way back to Iqaluit.

That evening for our entertainment we were treated to a "Northern Fashion Show". The models did a fantastic job and the articles of clothing were quite breath-taking. I remember laying in bed feeling somewhat overwhelmed at everything I had learned about the North already and there was another day tomorrow. Good thing I was keeping notes!

Diary writer, Gordon DeWolfe (centre far left row) with other learner delegates and conference support stff on the steps of the Arctic College.

Day Three Today was the last day of the conference. I chose the workshop "Nunavut Sivuniksavut". It is a unique college program offered in Ottawa for Inuit youth. Inuit youth learn about Inuit history, land claims and other issues essential to their future careers in Nunavut. It is also an opportunity to experience the world outside of the North, and to learn to live successfully on their own. The program has graduated over 145 students since it began. Its presenters created positive images of how the program had really made a difference for them. They were capable spokesmen for its success.

The conference was then brought to a close with a lot of hope and encouragement that the conversation would continue far into the future.

Final comments
Aside from all of the wonderful events I have described there were many more that I haven't talked about. There were mouth-watering and tantalizing meals featuring a great variety of dishes with some of the traditional foods such as Arctic Char, Caribou, and Muskox. There were contests for everyone and many gifts were exchanged between the North and the South. I will treasure my memories of the North with great fondness and amazement.

My thanks to all our Northern hosts and the staff of TASA for ensuring that this conference was not only educational but extremely enjoyable.

Thank you readers, for the opportunity to share my experiences with you. A truly wonderful part of the learning experience is bringing our new knowledge to others so they too may learn.