Phase 1: Foundations for Inuit in Expedition Cruising

January 8–22 • Cambridge Bay, Nunavut • CHARS Building

Phase 1 is the starting point of Nalunaiqsijiit: Inuit Cruise Training Initiative—a program designed by Inuit who work in expedition cruising, and built for Inuit interested in this growing industry. Over two weeks in Cambridge Bay, you’ll focus on the skills, confidence, and industry awareness you need before moving on to ship-based and certification training in later phases.

Though this is an Inuit training course, it is not a culture camp. While your identity, language, and home community are central to the program, Phase 1 is strongly focused on Inuit leadership in business, tourism, and expedition work—helping you step into professional roles where Inuit voices shape how visitors experience the North.

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Where you’ll be

Location: Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) building, Cambridge Bay
Dates: January 8–22, 2026
Accommodation: Fully equipped apartments in the community
- You may be sharing an apartment with other participants (shared kitchen and living space; sleeping arrangements may also be shared, depending on availability).

The setting is designed to be supportive and practical: close to the training venue, with space to cook, rest, and get to know your fellow participants.

What Phase 1 covers

Phase 1 focuses on soft skills, leadership, and expedition foundations rather than technical marine certifications. You can expect:

Professionalism & Work Culture

What it means to be part of an expedition team
Workplace expectations, boundaries, and team dynamics
Hosting visitors respectfully in Inuit communities and on board

Communication, Storytelling & Interpretation

Public speaking basics and handling Q&A
Sharing your knowledge and stories in a clear, engaging, and safe way
Introduction to interpretation: helping visitors understand land, wildlife, and culture

Inuit Representation & Leadership

Representing Inuit Nunangat in a good way within international companies
Navigating cultural ignorance, hard questions, and sensitive topics
Using your position to bring Inuit perspectives into decision-making and business conversations

Expedition & Field Basics

Life onboard small expedition ships and typical roles on the team
Guided hike fundamentals and group management on the land
Wildlife awareness and introductory bear/firearms safety discussions

Workplace Foundations

Human resources basics: harassment, mental health, accessibility
Working safely and respectfully within diverse, cross-cultural teams

What Phase 1 does not cover

To keep expectations clear:

Phase 1 does not provide marine certifications such as STCW, SVOP, or ROC-MC. These belong in later training phases and/or separate partner programs.
Phase 1 does not guarantee a job, but it is designed to help you become ready for shipboard internships and future employment opportunities.
Rather than a tourism start-up course or a culture camp, this is a professional training program that weaves together Inuit knowledge, leadership, and current industry practices.

Training allowance & funding

A training allowance is not included as part of this course.

However, funding support may be available separately through Nunavut ALTS (Adult Learning and Training Supports). Interested participants are encouraged to contact Nunavut ALTS directly to learn whether they may qualify and how to apply. Any such funding is applied for and managed independently of the Nalunaiqsijiit program.

What a day may look like

Morning (8:30–12:00):

Daily check-in, short icebreakers, and a main workshop (for example, professionalism, communication, or Inuit leadership in business and tourism).

Lunch (12:00–1:30):

Meal break and time to connect with other participants and instructors.

Afternoon (1:30–4:30):

Applied sessions—role plays, public speaking practice, guided-hike scenarios, case studies on guest interactions, or wildlife/bear safety discussions, sometimes with guest instructors.

Wrap-up (4:30–5:00):

Reflection, questions, and a quick preview of the next day. Light “homework” may include preparing a short talk, planning an interpretive walk, or reflecting on a scenario.

By the end of Phase 1, you’ll have a clearer picture of what expedition cruising work actually looks like, a stronger foundation in professional and cultural leadership, and a better sense of whether life on board and in this industry is a path you want to pursue.

JECO