ARVIAT/BAKER LAKE - They Rangers are often referred to as the eyes and ears of the Canadian Forces in the North by those who protect our country for a living.

Canadian Ranger Sgt. Leo Otuk, left, and Ranger Leo Attmak stop for a break from their reconnaissance training on the land near Arviat this past month. - photo courtesy of Stephane Leduc

Kivalliq hamlets have a long and storied history of involvement with the Rangers that stretches back for decades.

Rangers from two of those hamlets, Arviat and Baker Lake, went out on the land while conducting a series of training exercises in their communities this past month.

The Arviat Rangers conducted their training programs from April 2 to 12, while the Baker Rangers received their training from April 19 to 30.

While the Baker and Arviat patrols were conducting training exercises at home, another group of Kivalliq Rangers were among the 32 who gathered in Alert and Ward Hunt Island, Nunavut, this past month.

They were there to take part in Operation Nunalivut from April 8 to 26, one of three major operations conducted in the North each year by the Canadian Forces.

Capt. Stephen Watton said there are 57 Ranger patrols across the North, which include about 765 Rangers in 25 patrols throughout Nunavut.

He said the training received by the Baker and Arviat Rangers included both classroom theory, and the practical application of military and traditional skills out on the land.

"The Rangers travelled to an austere location from their home communities by SkiDoo," said Watton.

"Once there, they conducted field training in weapons handling, global positioning systems and patrol reconnaissance."

Ranger instructor Sgt. Stephane Leduc worked with the Rangers in both Arviat and Baker.

He said all Ranger patrols receive refresher training each year to help members maintain their Ranger skills.

"The training is a great opportunity for the Rangers to practice their ability to navigate on the land and conduct challenging tasks," said Leduc.