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Science, culture meet

Lisa Scott
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Oct 04/04) - Students with an interest in science scored spots on a coveted camping trip in Baker Lake recently.

The 22 students from communities across the Kivalliq region took part in a science and culture camp held just outside the hamlet.



Along with traditional skills, Kivalliq students also learned how to navigate with a global positioning system (GPS) during a camping trip in Baker Lake recently. Here, Maggie Qaqimaat tries one out. - photo courtesy of Bill Cooper



"We were looking for students who have an interest in and aptitude for science," said Bill Cooper, vice-principal at Jonah Amitnaaq school in Baker Lake.

That aptitude was tested with this year's rocks and minerals theme, as the students were taught traditional uses for rocks, camping skills as well as mapping and GPS reading.

This was the fourth year for the camp, offered by the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community.

The themes and locations of the camp rotate each year, with last year's event focusing on oceans at the Churchill Research Centre.

Elders taught

One of the uses for rocks was a rock stove for cooking, taught to the students by elders Mary and Martin Kreelak and Jacob and Winnie Ikinilik.

The group even left their mark with a traditional Inukshuk which is visible from the community, about 5km away.

Having the elders along to teach the skills was great, said Cooper.

"When the elders talked, these kids listened," he said.

"Everybody participated, everybody did their work and they were attentive to the elders," he said of the Grade 10-12 students.

Learning about geological field work was a large component of the week as well. Linda Ham, a geologist with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs gave up the comfort of a hotel room to camp out with the group.

"I didn't hear anybody complaining," said Cooper of the less than glamorous lifestyle out on the land.

A little rain forced them inside a couple of nights, but otherwise, the group toughed it out.