Our team recently received the Habitat Iqaluit, Tunngasugitsi (or welcome) newsletter that provided us with a general overview of what to expect in Nunavut. So, here are a few of the details....
Weather
We've been told to prepare for rain, snow, wind, and bugs and temperatures in the average range of 3C-10C. Habitat Iqaluit has recommended packing layers of clothing, a wind resistant jacket, hats, mits, and sturdy walking shoes (as well as our steel-toed boots). I've also packed work gloves, rain gear, a mesh mosquito head net (and repellent), as well as a sleep mask, for the extra hours of sunlight. I'm not sure I'll be ready for a sunrise wake-up call at 4am! Hey, just checked the Weather Network forecast....no snow! ;)
Accommodations
Our team of 12 will be accommodated in two, three-bedroom townhouses, located near downtown Iqaluit. Each townhouse has a fully equipped kitchen as well as a washer/dryer. What a luxury on a GV build! We've also been told that we no longer have to pack air mattresses or sleeping bags, as bedding is being supplied. That means more room in the suitcase! We have been asked to bring laundry detergent, two rolls of toilet paper per team member, our own pillowcase & a towel.
Food
Lunches will be provided on the build site each day. As I have an adventurous appetite, I'm hopeful that we will have an opportunity to try most of the traditional local cuisine. Perhaps BBQ Tuktu (Caribou), arctic char (fish), bannock (bread) and seal meat, which is usually served raw or frozen.
Breakfast, as well as most of our dinners, will be prepared by our team within our townhouses. As grocery items are considerably more expensive in the north, our team leader has provided each volunteer with a list of specific items to bring in their luggage. Many of the team members have volunteered to prepare a dinner. In my case, I'm go'in local! :) PEI potatoes with fresh, island-grown vegetables from Balderston's Farm Market with a side of dressing & cranberry sauce for the....HUGE grain fed, PEI turkey! Thank you so very much to Rosemary at Larkin Brothers for the delicious donation!
Other Mentions:
- Internet is not available at the townhouses, but can be accessed at the library or the Caribrew Cafe! :)
- Only cell phones using Bell Mobility will work in Iqaluit. iPhones and other 3G/4G smart phones do not work regardless of provider.
- Alcohol: Iqaluit is a controlled community, which means there are no liquor stores. Alcohol is served in licensed restaurants & bars. If you bring some with you, there are limitations, otherwise a liquor permit is required.
- It's going to take 24 hours to travel to Iqaluit, but there is only a 1 hour time difference! :)
The Habitat Build
Like most Global Village builds, volunteers are provided with their work duties, on arrival at the build site. However, as this build began in June, I've been watching the Habitat Iqaluit Facebook Page for updates! It looks like we might be working on the house interior, as the drywall & insulation were recently installed. I cannot wait to get started and I'm looking forward to meeting the home owner, Joanna Awa, as well as the rest of our Habitat team!
Also, a BIG thank you to everyone for supporting my participation in this build!
I look forward to sharing the adventure story with you, when I return home.
Jill
PS - Check out Rick Mercer's hilarious visit to Iqaluit, including a road trip to No Where! RMR: Iqaluit
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