Presented below is a solo expedition starting April 10, 2019 in Kugluktuk, Nunavut and concluding around April 30 in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, through a section of the historic Northwest Passage. This will be the first leg of a three-year journey to travel the entire Northwest Passage solo.
My name is René Ritter and I am a 43-year-old man residing in Iqaluit, Nunavut. I intend to travel the first section of the Northwest Passage primarily by ski (pulling 2 pulks), but I will also be kite skiing when conditions are favorable. I anticipate finishing the first leg of this journey in 20 days, depending on ice and weather conditions. Total distance traveled will be 450km. Travelling with me will be a Canadian Inuit Dog, who will serve as a companion and alert to bear activity. What sets this expedition apart is that I will be connecting with elementary school children in other parts of Canada via social media during the expedition. I will also be blogging about the experience, particularly as I interact with members of the communities.
The ultimate goal of this trip is to foster a discussion about northern Canada, its physical geography, cultural history and unique flora/fauna. I believe that targeting the minds of children living in other regions of Canada is a practical way to also reach the parents of these children. Many people do not have a great deal of familiarity with Nunavut, or the historical significance of the Northwest Passage and it is important to further the understanding and correct misconceptions of the Canadian Arctic. I have personally lived in Nunavut for over 10 years and by inviting children on this journey, we are informing young minds about the importance of exploring new places, as well as challenging oneself.
Past expeditions:
Crossing of Greenland by ski in 2016, and skiing through the Akshayuk Pass (Pang Pass) in the Baffin Mountains in 2017.
All photos belong to René Ritter
