Finding oneself stranded is a surprisingly common occurrence at the top of the world. The sprawling frozen landscape is a constant threat to its residents, particularly as climate change turns unforgiving weather increasingly unpredictable.
Every year, there are more than search-and-rescue missions in the community of 37, scattered people—meaning every two days, someone gets lost in the wild—more than double the rate a decade ago.
Many of those stranded are victims of shoddy jerry-rigging or a lack of equipment. What makes this work even harder is that Arctic weather is changing fast. In the past 30 years, land temperatures in the north have risen nearly 2 degrees Celsius. As a result, the old ways of predicting weather are also in transition. In the past, hunters and fishermen would read the skies to prepare for an incoming storm, but now, the elders told Clark, winds come too fast and strong.
The region has reported changes in wildlife movement, thinning ice, and rising sea levels. Nunavut is one of the fastest growing Canadian regions, a place where, as one elder lamented, kids are raising kids.
Flexing his paramedic training and an academic background in environmental science, he decided to conduct the training in a wild place. Not necessarily harvesting—just being out there. Clark thinks that the Inuit leadership will continue to adapt its policies to physical changes. Leaders are working to integrate the programs into formal education—an alternative to the tradition of passing down knowledge. After all - even putting aside the occasional jokes about Canadians living in igloos — many children around the country have at some point tried making their own igloo-like structure in the winter.
The igloo is renowned for its spiral dome and ability to protect those inside from the cold. Southern teachers working in the North are learning about Inuit culture and how to preserve their students' traditions.
In Iqaluit the local Elders instruct teachers from all over Nunavut how to make igloos and traditional Ulu knives as part of the teachers professional development. Windows Media Player 9 is required to watch video. Download the Windows Media Player. Judges' Comments RealPlayer is required to listen to audio files. To finish, lift the key block - that's the topmost block -- up through the hole at the top, trim it to fit perfectly, and drop it into place. Don't forget to make a ventilation hole.
Then cut a doorway so you can get out. Now go outside and pack loose snow into the spaces between the blocks to keep out drafts. Got it? Don't build your igloo where the ground slopes steeply down to a lake.
A blizzard could pile up snow there and bury it. If blocks break or the entire structure collapses while you are building it, the appropriate response - proven by generations of Inuit - is first to see the humour in the situation. Then, try to correct what you did wrong and keep at it. Oh, and one more thing: Build your igloo in the Arctic. In fact, an igloo can range from as small as a one-person hunting shelter to large, ceremonial structures joined to smaller igloos. The innovative architect can also create igloo villages by building attaching corridors and walls.
This effectively turns a single-family dwelling into a multiroom compound capable of housing 20 people. Smaller igloos are typically used by Inuit for fishing and hunting trips, as we've discussed. The larger, more permanent structures were created to form villages for longer-term, although still temporary, needs.
Some of the largest villages boasted halls for special occasions such as dances and feasts. Most igloos are self-sustaining due to the strength of ice. But when spring hits, the sun and warmer temperatures turn igloos to slush. It's best to steer clear of defrosting igloos to avoid being caught in a cave-in.
Snow: the Miracle Insulator Snow is a relatively easy material to work with for the experienced igloo-maker. It is packed tightly by the freezing winds common to the areas inhabited by Inuit. Snow is easy to cut and surprisingly sturdy, and snow blocks are also pretty lightweight. Still, snow is pretty cold, so many people are skeptical of the igloo's ability to keep its occupants from freezing to death. The truth is, inhabitants might not be able to lounge around in their underwear, but they can exist comfortably inside an igloo, and a subzero sleeping bag can take the edge off.
The igloo has stood the test of time as a living establishment. Some experts say that a well-constructed igloo, coupled with a very small oil lamp and plain old body heat, can warm an igloo up to 40 degrees above the outside temperature. It accomplishes this amazing feat thanks to several features:. It should be noted that the right type of snow is necessary to build an igloo.
The soft, powdery stuff that falls in most backyards is not hard or packed tightly enough to build a reliable igloo. But if you're lucky enough to find the right kind of snow, you can try your hand at making your own igloo. Learn how on the next page. Although some Inuit still use igloos for temporary shelter, they are far less common than they were just a few decades ago. However, many skiers and outdoor enthusiasts construct them to avoid the elements during camping and ski trips.
The Inuit designed the igloo to be warm, sturdy and easy to construct. All it takes is a few simple tools , an abundance of snow and a little patience. The experienced igloo builder can put one together in as little as one hour.
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