ARCTIC BASE CAMP
Arctic Base Camp (ABC) Project Overview

The Arctic is a unique and precious part of our planet. The enduring Inuit culture has survived for thousands of years. In the past few decades however, external forces and factors have brought great change and challenges to the people, wildlife and environment to the world’s Northern regions.

Change is inevitable, but collectively we have the power, influence and intelligence to mold and control that change, for the greater good. From the Southern influence of generic modern conveniences to the toxic pollutants generated in far-away countries, the Arctic is a region where things gravitate to. Much (that we are familiar with) goes to the Arctic - very little (that we are perhaps not familiar with) leaves the Arctic.

The Arctic Base Camp (ABC) will be a unique multi-faceted project that will realize and produce a series of cultural, economic, environmental and commercial benefits.

Culture is a word often used, but often not clearly understood. The fact is, Inuit culture is on the descent; now. The omni-present pressures of modern society are diluting a distinct, unique and precious culture. It’s that culture that’s leaving and evaporating, from the North. The ABC will be designed as a cultural centre where Elders and Youth from all over the North will be brought together, not in the stale environment of a small town or community hall, but out “on the land” – where the ties to their culture, language and history are still strong.

With a growing population, pressure of another kind is realized in the Arctic – that of an economy with many people but not many jobs. Sustainable economic development is essential. Through adventure tourism (the community of Pond Inlet has often been referred to as the “Jewel of the Arctic”) a stage is created for Inuit young and old to showcase their culture to people from all over the world and in doing so, create self confidence and retain and maintain those important ties and links to the land; Nunavut’s name in Inuktituk means “Our Land”. Through guiding and interpretive services, wages created through such activities stay in the community and in the North; there is very little economic leakage. Social benefits will be derived from the establishment of the ABC as guides and interpretive staff will not have to travel far from their community in order to be involved.

As Yvon Chouinard (founder and owner of Patagonia) once said; “if we don’t have the environment, we have nothing”. The Arctic represents a valuable and fragile environment. The ABC will become a classroom to the world. Where better to learn about the Arctic, than in the Arctic. The facility will be offered to schools, colleges, universities and other interested parties in order to learn directly from those who live here and from the surrounding environment. Scientific work and programs will be incorporated into the ABC. Specific to the environment; the ABC itself will be located on the sea ice. Normally forming in early November, the sea ice around Pond Inlet is safe to travel on until late June. In July the ice starts to break apart and melt – by late July and early August the ice is all but gone.

The ABC will be located on the ice, by late June/early July, no sign will exist that it was ever there – result – next to zero actual environmental impact. The ice that once supported the existence of the ABC will be gone; no environmental footprint.

The ABC will be planned, organized and run to create cultural, economic and environmental benefits; the commercial aspect should also be considered. Clients, tourists and adventure travelers already come to Pond Inlet. Greeted by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Arctic, visitors leave knowing they have visited a precious, but changing place. The ABC will represent a new bench mark in Arctic tourism.

In one of the most challenging environments in the world in which to operate, the ABC will provide a safe, comfortable, high quality and customer-service driven approach to adventure travelers from all over the world.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING POLAR SEA SPECIAL PROJECTS

Over the years, Polar Sea has been involved in providing help and support to magazines (such as Above & Beyond, Canadian Geographic and Marie Claire) newspapers, travel writers and journalists, photographers, painters, filmmakers, adventurers and even astronomers from all over the world.

Polar Sea works with a number of production companies providing the necessary expertise, knowledge and resources for television commercials, product testing and product shoots.

Special projects can range in time from one day to one month in duration and can take place in and around Pond Inlet itself, or other communities such as Igloolik, Clyde River, Arctic Bay and Iqaluit.

Whether it’s a television commercial for a French cell phone company, a conference/meeting, or a photographic assignment for polar bears or narwhal, Polar Sea has the experience, available resources and ability to help make a successful project.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss any project you’re planning, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Above: Crossing the Weasel River - Auyuittuq National Park

Top Left: Sea kayaks ready at
floe-edge base camp

Top Right: Packing up - remote
film location