MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET
After 39 years in Pond Inlet, John Henderson finally wants to understand the rich geological deposits that lie all over northern Baffin Island.
Stevie Karpik, left, and prospecting course instructor Hugh MacIsaac explore rocks and minerals in Pangnirtung on May 28. - photo courtesy of Hugh MacIsaac
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His interest in rocks and minerals has prompted him to take a free introductory prospecting course, which is offered by the territorial Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Completion of the week-long course makes participants eligible for the Nunavut Prospector's Program (NPP), which offers contributions of up to $8,000 to help cover expenses while exploring for minerals in Nunavut.
Henderson said he initially found out about the course when he ran into Hugh MacIsaac, the department's resident geologist, earlier this year.
"Hugh was staying at a hotel in Pond Inlet and I knew who he was," Henderson said.
"I was just returning from a mining symposium in Iqaluit so we talked about the course and I decided to register for it."
Henderson is a big fan of the Discovery Channel reality show Gold Rush, where teams of miners look for gold deposits in Alaska and Yukon. He said the biggest reason for taking the course is to have the ability to identify whatever he finds in the ground.
"I started getting interested in mining on Baffin Island when I bought stock in several Northern companies, and when I began looking into it on the Internet," he said.
"The idea of doing the course is intriguing to me. I'd like to be able to go out with some friends and snoop around, and recognize if I find something great."
Henderson is also interested in the historical relationship between Pond Inlet and gold miners from the early 20th century.
He's reading a book about three ships – the Algerine, the Neptune and the Minnie Maud – which sailed to Pond Inlet in 1912, looking for gold.
"I've always been interested in learning new things, and I like the fact that those guys came up here looking for gold," he said.
MacIsaac, who will also be teaching the course in Arviat, Taloyoak, Kimmirut, Iqaluit, Clyde River and Iglulik this summer, said there are many different reasons why people take the course.
"It's a great way to learn about rocks and minerals, and an incentive to find something and perhaps become wealthy," MacIsaac said.
"There's the hobby aspect and being able to take your family prospecting. Hopefully people will discover something, that's usually what motivates them."
More than 850 people have taken the free prospecting course over the years. It covers five modules, including rocks and minerals, geology, maps, prospecting for ore and staking.
MacIsaac thinks more people should take advantage of the funding.
Last year, 19 participants of the NPP were awarded a total of $89,000.
"This year we have another $100,000 to award," MacIsaac said.
"I find a lot of people enjoy the course. There is favourable geology close to every community."
