Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Eureka (Apr 12/04) - Rangers and soldiers from across the North had one simple message as their 20 snowmobiles roared into this remote Ellesmere Island outpost: "this land belongs to Canada."

Ranger Donald Ittuksardjuat, from Arctic Bay, unloads some of his gear after arriving at Eureka. Ittuksardjuat was to carry the Canadian flag during a sovereignty patrol from Resolute Bay to Alert. - Neils Christensen/NNSL photo

The group stopped here during a $500,000 sovereignty patrol from Resolute Bay to Alert. Taking part were 15 Canadian Rangers from Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon and northern Alberta and five regular members of the Canadian armed forces from Yellowknife.

Ranger Michael Anuga, from Panniqtuuq, carried the Canadian flag from Resolute to Eureka.

"It was an honour to carry the flag," he said. "It's something that I won't forget."

Longest journey

The trip to Alert is the longest-ever one-way patrol of its kind. When finished, some of the participants will have travelled 1,300 kilometres. Seven members of the group were expected to arrive in Alert today (April 12).

The patrol left Resolute, April 1, and arrived in Eureka, April 5. They stayed two days to recuperate from travelling on the land.

For most of the Rangers, Eureka was their last stop. The seven-member patrol left April 7 to finish the journey to Alert. The rest were flown home.

Sgt. Peter Moon, public affairs for the Ranger patrol, said because the group was to travel through Qutinirpaaq National Park the entire 20-member patrol could not be sent.

Ranger Cpl. Ross Tatty, from Rankin Inlet, said he was a little sad to be ending his journey in Eureka.

Four Rangers from Nunavut were making the trip to Alert: Doug Stern, from Cambridge Bay; Donald Ittuksardjuat, from Arctic Bay; Joe Amarualik from Iqaluit; and Stephen Qrunnut from Iglulik. They were joined by three regular members of the Canadian armed forces.

"I feel extremely lucky to be one of the few going to Alert," said Stern.

On guard for thee

Lt.-Col. David Wheeler, chief of staff for Canadian Forces Northern Area, said the patrol is to reaffirm Canada's sovereignty in the North.

"Without patrols in this area we wouldn't have sovereignty," he said.

Wheeler said it is important for the military to have a strong presence to make sure other nations don't make any claims for the natural resources.

"This is to show that we can patrol the North and we have a military presence," he said.

There are a few disputes over Canada's northern borders. Wheeler said the most recent to gain attention, is over Hans Island. Wheeler said the island is within the Canadian border, but the Danish government is claiming it as their land.

He said while the dispute is minor, Canada has to take sovereignty very seriously.

The trip of a lifetime

Once arriving at the weather station in Eureka, the Rangers had a hot meal, a shower and a sleep in a warm bed. After a short rest they were eager to talk about their journey.

For Ranger Eric Hitkolok, from Kuglugtuk, said was a great learning experience. At 21, Hitkolok was the youngest person on the patrol. He said the best part was meeting the people from other places.

"Everyone worked together and helped each other out. The team work was a great feeling," he said.

The 800-kilometre snowmobile ride wasn't a walk in the park for the Rangers.

"One mistake and you can hit broken ice with a 1,000 pound sled coming after you. After nine hours of being on these machines I have just enough energy to set up my camp and have something to eat," said Hitkolok.