Q is for Qajaq is a collaborative project to help inspire a renaissance of qajaq-building and paddling in Canada’s Arctic. This initiative is led by Eric McNair-Landry, a young explorer who took part in the 1,000 km ‘Expedition Q’ journey across Baffin Island in 2013 using 4 qajaqs (kayaks) built by his team with students in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

 © Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

© Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

 © Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

© Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

From April 25th to May 3rd, the public can watch as Eric and a team of craftspeople build three traditional Baffin-design qajaqs in the Canadian Canoe Museum’s Living Traditions Gallery. Visitors are encouraged to visit and ask questions!

The qajaqs will be paddled by youth from Canada and around the world during this summer’s Students on Ice Arctic expedition.

 © Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

© Lee Narraway / Students on Ice

 © Martin Lipman/ Students on Ice

© Martin Lipman/ Students on Ice

About the Students on Ice Foundation 

Since 2000, Students on Ice (SOI) has led life-changing, educational expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Globally acclaimed as a leader in polar education and youth engagement, SOI’s expeditions and outreach initiatives educate youth about the importance of the Polar Regions, support their continued growth and inspire initiatives that contribute to global sustainability. The result is more than 2,500 alumni from 52 countries making a positive and lasting impact on communities around the world.

Q is for Qajaq is an SOI polar education initiative made possible through partnerships with the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canadian Canoe Museum, and Nunavut Sivuniksavut.

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