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The ethereal arctic landscape has long drawn explorers to the far-flung reaches of the Northwest Territories. Some, like the native Inuit, have entered these waters in pursuit of food and fur. Others come for reasons of the soul: to seek out the strengths and weaknesses of their own ego. All who come to this place of constant light must confront the darker realities: air temperatures often dip to 30 below, submergence in water means death within 10 minutes, polar bears are a nightly threat, and loneliness can debilitate even the strongest of men. And yet, this is also the land of the Inuit, where dreams transcend reality and where all beings are respected and share a common importance.
In the spring of 1998, Jonathan Waterman will undertake a 2,200-mile solo journey across the stark wilderness known as the Northwest Passage. Recalling past Arctic expeditions of Franklin, Admunsen, and Poncins, he will evaluate previous explorers' experience based on their ability to incorporate Eskimo survival skills. The death of Franklin and his crew of 125 proves that failure to adapt in this inhospitable land can be devastating. Adding to the challenge of the Passage, Waterman will undertake the majority of the journey unassisted and alone. Gale winds, closed leads, subzero cold, and mind-altering loneliness will be his greatest obstacles; the nightly threat of grizzly bear attack - his greatest threat.
Waterman will combine age-old Inuit transportation with more modern techniques in a fusion of past and present. Most ground will be covered using the Eskimo traditions of ski-joring (being pulled by a dog) and sea kayaking, with the modern innovation of upskiing (propelled forward by a quadrafoil) when conditions allow. Though isolated from human contact for up to three weeks at a time, Waterman will pass through Inuit villages and observe the transformation of the culture as it struggles to adjust to outside pressures. On April 1, 1999, the Canadian Government will cede 493 million acres (currently the Northwest Territories) to these native peoples, ensuring their preservation into the Twenty-first century.
Waterman's odyssey, originating in the remote western village of Tuktoyaktuc, will reach its destination more than a year later in the aptly named town of Repulse Bay.
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