On-the-land Programs

Our proven on-the-land programs prepare participants for survival and navigation in the Arctic in all seasons.

These programs feature a broad range of survival skills as well as qamutik-making, small engine repair and mechanics, tool-making, cabin-building, installation of solar panels to power cabins and develop appreciation for the benefits of green energy, and fish and aquatic monitoring.

Small Engine Repair

A small engine repair and mechanics program where participants build their skills in maintenance, troubleshooting and using repair manuals. Hands-on activities, document use and technology-based approaches are included.

5 days
8-10 participants
Men & women/ Women only
Available all seasons

Young Hunters Programs

This program teaches the next generation of Inuit harvesters the culture-based procedures and practice necessary to harvest both safely and sustainably while instilling Inuit cultural pride in its participants. Safety on the land and ice, navigation skills, preparing for hunts, using technology and traditional knowledge to navigate and make decisions while out on the land are key elements of the program. The program allows for many participants to catch their firsts. Ilitaqsiniq is proud to be a part of the major milestone many of our participants achieve in hunting/catching their first animal. 

5 days
Ages 10-30
Available all seasons

Parnasimaniq

Hunting and gathering are essential parts of the lifestyle in Nunavut and help provide food for families and community. The objective of this program is to build the essential survival skills and confidence for Nunavummiut to be safe while out on the land. Participants will learn to build large and small tools for hunting and harvesting, understand and be able to repair snow machines, operate firearms and acquire the necessary licenses, navigate the land, understand the ice and ice safety, and learn to hunt and trap the animals in season. In summary, participants will gain the knowledge and experience to survive in the arctic conditions with knowledge and experience.

4 weeks
6-8 participants
Open to all
  Available all seasons

N-Camp

N-CAMP (Nunavut Aquatic Monitoring Program) is a community-based training program that supports Nunavummiut to develop skills in fish and aquatic monitoring. The program includes three days of classroom-based learning and skill development and five days of land-based practice. Participants learn the skills associated with the research and documentation necessary to establish a commercial fishing area. After a minimum of five consecutive years of practice, the community may be granted a commercial fishing license for a specific area. Ilitaqsiniq partners with the Department of Fisheries and Sealing in the delivery and facilitation of this program.

8 days
8-10 participants
Open to all
  Available all seasons

Solar Panel Project

A hands-on training program that teaches the benefits of green energy and the skills to be able to install and use solar panels to power cabins and homes. Participants learn literacy and essential skills as well as the science and technology that goes along with eco-friendly power sources. Teaching approaches include hands-on, classroom-based and technology-based methods. Program participants build their skills in installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and electrical work.

5 days
8-10 participants
Open to all
  Available all seasons

Qamusiurniq (Qamutik Building)

This popular program passes on the skills and knowledge of qamusiurniq and offers hands-on experience in qamutik building. Participants will be able to build their own qamutik to take home to use for hunting and family outings. The program involves instruction from Elders, local knowledge holders and locally owned Inuit businesses. A small instructor-to-participant ratio ensures the learning is both safe and meaningful.

5 days
5-6 participants
Men & young men / Girls & young women / Mixed classes and youth
Available all seasons

Cabin Building/Construction Skills

The purpose of the program is to teach participants how to plan and build a cabin.  Having a sheltered space out on the land provides camping and recreational space for families. The skills participants learn within this program will prepare them to build their own cabin in the future.

10 days
8-10 participants
Men & women/ Women only
Available all seasons