INUVIK
Two Inuvik residents took breaking the ice to new heights – or depths – March 16.

Dave Kaufman was one of two people taking a polar plunge into Boot Lake March 16. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

David Bob and Dave Kaufman both took a "polar plunge" into Boot Lake, while a handful of spectators watched and waited to see if they needed rescuing.

For Bob, a well-known and respected member of the community noted for his social justice and political activities, it was part of the First Nations Winter Challenge campaign that's gone viral across Canada since two British Columbia teens started it earlier this year.

The campaign challenges people to do what's commonly known as polar bear plunges. Where water isn't available, participants are rolling and diving into the snow on land wearing little in the way of clothing.

Bob, who is aboriginal, said he wanted to set an example for his people near Merritt, British Columbia, as well as anyone else who was paying attention.

"It's a First Nations unity and solidarity challenge, to return to the fundamental customs of First Nations in which one would cleanse their mind and spirit by washing away things from the past to bring more clear insight to what lies ahead," he explained.

"Though the youth see this as something that's fun, this is awakening their minds minds and spirits down south as we are starting to see a change in those that participate in culture and custom. This challenge is a way to hopefully bring more people into a healthy lifestyle."

A resurrection of First Nations culture, Bob said, was a key point in reducing the levels of drinking and suicide in the south.

He was hoping to inspire some of his people to follow in his footsteps, and didn't want to provide anyone with an excuse not to take part in the challenge.

Bob said he knows that many of his people would pay attention if he successfully completed the challenge here in the North.

"For me, I kind of had to do it and many back home listen and follow what I have to say. The youth would have used my non-participation as a means not to join."

Some of his elders advised him not to try the plunge into the lake, and opt for the snow challenge instead, Bob said, but he declined to follow that advice.

"When you get out of the water your mind is more clear and your thought process seems more fluid in your surroundings, and focused," he said.

Bob said he wasn't expecting any other aboriginal residents here to follow his example, because there are safety concerns about doing this kind of thing in the North.

He was joined by Kaufman at the last moment for his plunge and it was a low-key affair. Bob enlisted a few people to help organize it.

The Inuvik Fire Department was contacted about the plunge, but declined to provide assistance due to liability concerns, according to Bob's friend and co-worker Jonathan Wood, a rookie with the department. Wood was on hand to lend whatever assistance he could, including acting as an anchor for both men. He provided thermal emergency blankets, as well.

A miscommunication with the RCMP led to their absence.

Bob and his friend Don Ross cut the hole in the ice at Boot Lake, using equipment provided by Ross.

The ice was about three feet thick, and it took about an hour to make a hole large enough to accommodate a person.

Kaufman jumped in mostly out of curiousity. He's had some experience with polar bear plunges in Ontario, he said, as well as ice diving.

"Of course, there I was wearing a drysuit," he said wryly.

He showed up clad in neoprene booties, and was immediately teased about cheating. However, his feet remained comfortable.

"He had the right idea," Bob conceded afterwards. "It took three hours for my feet to warm up."

Neither man reported any significant ill-effects afterward. Kaufman complained after a few minutes that his hands went numb, while Bob said the sun "actually felt warm" when he came out of the water.

Neither man did more than simply plunge in and out of the water, which was registering slightly below freezing.

Although it was planned as an aboriginal ceremony, Bob said he didn't mind Kaufman joining in. Several other people declined invitations.

Bob said he wasn't sure whether Kaufman understood the ceremonial significance of the moment, but that didn't really matter.

"He was welcome to join as maybe he will experience what is meant to be accomplished in the challenge," he said.