Lake Harbour (Nov 01/04) - Clam digging is a true Northern activity best done with a large group of gung-ho Northerners who know the land well and like to sing and laugh while out looking for holes and digging away.

When Gotilia Judea found clam holes outside of Kimmirut recently, he let out a loud "Ho!" before starting to dig, making other fellow diggers chuckle.

That's what it comes down to: Finding the little holes that signal a clam is not far below. Then you dig down in the sand to reach the hard shell that makes that distinct clinking sound against your shovel.

Clam voyage

About 20 people went boating outside of Kimmirut on Oct. 16, motoring through fairly choppy water for about 20 minutes to get to this long, rocky and muddy stretch of beach. It's an area that has been a popular clam digging spot for who knows how long for the Inuit of the region.

Jeannie Padluq has been going there for ages.

As she looked for those little clam holes, she stopped to pick up transparent, yellowish seaweed to snack on.

If you are thinking about going clam digging outside Kimmirut in mid-October, though, the key is to dress warmly. Clam digging can be downright dangerous if you don't prepare.

Chances are if you are not from the region, you probably won't dress warm enough the first time you attempt clam digging. If you don't, you'll get really cold and end up back on the boat, wrapped in blankets and sipping tea while everyone else is out there having fun and getting all the clams.

Luckily, the Inuit of the area are used to helping out visitors who have the gumption to try to clam dig with them in the first place. Just try not to get wet.

Wear wool socks and insulated rubber boats that at least reach your knee cap. Insulated thick rubber gloves are also essential.

All figured out

Ooloota Kolola who brought her grandson, Brian, out digging, had it all figured out in insulated rain gear, big rubber boots, and most notably, her long, hand-made clam digger.

Gotilia Judea also knew what he was doing when he wore his seal skin pants and thick green rubber boots.

Itee Temela was like a machine out there, digging in a way that can only be described as vigorously, wearing her insulated rain gear with a touch of the traditional and a bright floral head scarf. Tea boiled from ice chunks on the propane stove and bannock carried in grocery bags is enjoyed before and after the dig.

The night of Oct. 16, fresh clams were enjoyed in many Kimmirut kitchens, raw with soy sauce, garlic butter, or boiled on the stove.