Arctic scientific collaboration a success in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut

A group of Junior Canadian Rangers inGjoaHaven, Nunavut isthe latest group in Nunavut to get involved inIkaarvik: Barriers to Bridges.

It's a program of researchers with the Vancouver Aquarium and other organizations that collaborate with Inuit communities.The programwon an Arctic Inspiration Prize in 2013.

So far, five communities in Nunavut are apart of the effort.

"It's good for them cause it's a new experience and they're gonna get to know more about the ocean," says BettyKogvik, a leader with theGjoaHaven Junior Canadian Rangers.

"The leads and the mentors will be working with these youth," saysEric Solomon,Ikaarvikteam leader and director of Arctic programs at the Vancouver Aquarium.

"To help them understand better about science, how science works, the kinds of questions that scientists ask and why so they can begin to work effectively with scientists in a collaborative way."

Solomon says a big part of the project includes incorporating InuitQaujimajatuqangit.

The Junior Rangers helped Solomon collectdata about the ocean and environmentin and around GjoaHaven.

Ikaarvikhas also had successin Pond Inlet, Nunavut. Theprogram will head toPangnirtung, Cambridge Bay andKugluktukin the near future.