WWF Joins Students on Ice for Voyage Through Iconic Lancaster Sound

TORONTO, ON --(Marketwired - July 27, 2015) - WWF-Canada's Arctic program is sponsoring three students from the North to take part in this year's land- and ship-based Arctic voyage: Ruth Kaviok, a grade 11 student from Arviat, NU; Goliah Makletzoff Cazon, a grade 12 student from Yellowknife, NT; and Domonic Iqalukjuak, a grade 10 student from Clyde River, NU.

Joining the students is an impressive team of 80 educators, scientists, artists, Inuit leaders, and Polar explorers who will lead the youth as they visit northern communities, engage in cultural activities, and explore the Arctic environment. The students will spend several days travelling through Lancaster Sound, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the whole of the Arctic. WWF-Canada supports the work of Inuit organizations, who for the last 30 years have been trying to protect Lancaster Sound by having it designated a National Marine Conservation Area.

Along with these hands-on learning experiences, students will also take part in lectures and workshops that will help them foster a greater understanding of the challenges facing the Arctic, and become inspired as youth ambassadors.

"WWF-Canada is pleased to be a part of this exciting Students on Ice 15th anniversary Arctic voyage," says David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. "Northern youth are acutely aware of the unprecedented changes facing the Arctic environment, especially in Lancaster Sound. I hope that Ruth, Goliah and Domonic will enjoy learning more about these issues, and also sharing their experiences with other students on the ship."

The expedition team represents 18 nations: Canada, U.S., Greenland, Malaysia, Norway, Rwanda, China, New Zealand, Italy, Denmark, Monaco, India, UK, Japan, Taiwan, France, Russia and the Netherlands. More than 30 per cent of the students are northern aboriginal youth from across the Canadian Arctic.

Makletzoff Cazon says she's looking forward to connecting with other northerners from the circumpolar Arctic, and learning the differences and similarities between their cultures.

"I'm really interested in learning about the culture in Greenland," she said. "I'm also hoping to talk about some of my own experiences. My dad is aboriginal and I've spent a lot of time growing up on the land, so I feel like I have lot to share."

Kaviok agrees, adding that there are lots of things about life in the North that the international students may not be aware of. "Polar bears come into town and walk around, I don't think many people know that!" she says.

The Students on Ice Arctic voyage begins today and ends on August 10. To learn more and to follow the journey, visit studentsonice.com.

Meet the WWF-Canada students:

Ruth Kaviok
Community: Arviat, Nunavut

Ruth is in grade 11 at John Arnalukjuak High School and enjoys participating in theatre productions and sports teams. She actively participates in her community through the Arviat Film Society, the Skills Canada Nunavut Baking Competition and the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. Ruth is passionate about the Arctic -- both the land and the people. She hopes that her experience with Students on Ice will enable her to become a leader in Arviat and help solve the challenges facing Nunavut communities. Ruth's application stood out because of her outstanding community involvement and her eagerness to share Inuit traditional and cultural knowledge with her fellow students on ice.

Goliah Makletzoff Cazon
Community: Yellowknife, NWT

Goliah is in grade 12 at St. Patrick High School and is interested in studying anthropology in the future. She is an outdoor enthusiast as well as an active member of her community. As a member of the Northern Youth Leadership program, Goliah has participated in and helped lead multiple trips that bring young women from small Northern communities together. Goliah is passionate about the North and hopes that her Students on Ice experience will enhance her understanding of the land, the people and the culture of the Arctic Region. Following the expedition, Goliah plans to spread awareness among her peers about the challenges facing the Arctic and encourage her community to make positive change.

Domonic Iqalukjuak
Community: Clyde River, Nunavut

Domonic is in grade 10 at Quluaq School and enjoys sports, hunting and volunteering. He is passionate about the Arctic region and is concerned about how climate change and industry will influence the land and Inuit culture. Domonic is looking forward to learning about other cultures during the Students on Ice expedition and to share his own traditions with fellow participants. Domonic's application stood out because of his overwhelming respect for the land and his resolve to preserve the Arctic environment for future generations.

About WWF
WWF-Canada is part of WWF (World Wildlife Fund), one of the world's largest and most respected conservation organizations. WWF-Canada has close to 50 years of experience implementing science-based knowledge and research into on-the-ground projects. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. Visit wwf.ca for more information.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

For more information, contact

Megan Nesseth
Communications Specialist - Arctic, WWF-Canada
(416) 904-2482
mnesseth@wwfcanada.org