We are settling in although the weather surprised us a bit. Our short walk from hotel to training site seemed like a mile-long trek because a cold wind was pushing against us the whole way. Scarves are cool in Iqaluit and most people use them for what they are intended for -- far from decorative!
Our focus today was on regulations and an intro to hazardous wastes. Things happen quickly in small communities... Before lunch the students expressed interest in talking to the representative from INAC who does their inspections. Jeff from Iqaluit knew him well and had convinced him to come in and answer our questions by the afternoon. It was a great opportunity to get some of the specific concerns addressed that everyone had.
We heard that one of the most unexpected way that hazardous wastes were received was inside a whale carcass. As the rib cage opened -- 3 paint cans were revealed... Things can take you by surprise up here...
We are beginning to hone in on the things that may be possible for many communities. They are really interested in finding solutions to the problems that plague them but there are many barriers to making things happen.
Today will be a focus on recognizing household hazardous wastes and handling hazardous wastes. We are hoping there are lots of great takeaways from this...
We haven't needed to stray far yet. Each night in the hotel restaurant a number of people come in to show us their creative work -- prints, carvings, sealskin mitts, etc. It is all very beautiful, is a lot less than what you would find in the stores and we don't need to leave the warmth of the hotel.
We had a chance to find out about whale hunting over the coffee break yesterday. Whale hunting is so common that whale carcasses are the number one item that attracts polar bears to the dump. Whale hunters head out on the ocean in 15 foot sea canoes. They use harpoons to spear the whales and sometimes a rifle. Talk about up close and personal with an animal that's bigger than you and your boat! Hard to imagine who ever thought that might be a good idea. Lots of courage!
Stay tuned -- I have a great picture of our blizzard-like conditions yesterday to post, just can't do it now.
All for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment