A young member of the Sheshatshiu community, Ocean Pokue, experienced the unique sensation of holding a starfish for the first time during the Innu Nation’s Uinipeku Expedition. Ocean described the feeling as akin to a worm covered in sugar, expressing her excitement at this newfound experience.
Jenny Hurley, another participant from Sheshatshiu, echoed Ocean’s sentiments, emphasizing the thrill of encountering something new every day on the expedition. The Uinipeku Expedition, now in its fourth year, serves as an annual voyage focused on ocean science research, navigating through the Innu Nation marine areas between Sheshatshiu and Natuashish over a two-week period.
The expedition takes place aboard the MV Polar Athena, characterized as a “floating classroom and science lab,” hosting a diverse team of researchers, educators, Innu elders, guardians, and youth participants from organizations like Students on Ice, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Innu Nation. Co-led by Gioia Montevecchi, the expedition’s primary objectives revolve around ocean science exploration and educational outreach, originally initiated by Innu Nation to gather scientific data for conservation and economic opportunities.
During a stop at the Akami-Uapishk-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve in late June, participants aboard the Polar Athena engaged in various activities, including viewing underwater footage of marine life in Lake Melville. Claire Goodwin, the dive team lead, highlighted the vibrant ecosystem captured in the footage, featuring colorful sponges and anemones.
The expedition also incorporated cultural activities on Amishku-Shipiss beach, allowing Innu youth to partake in archaeological digs, foraging workshops, and painting traditional Innu designs on caribou coats. These activities aim to reconnect the younger generation with their heritage and promote environmental conservation efforts within the community.
Jack Penashue, Innu Nation’s superintendent, emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing cultural practices and traditions with the youth. He noted a shift towards greater openness in sharing Innu heritage and values, underscoring the significance of passing down this knowledge to future generations.
The Uinipeku Expedition has witnessed a surge in interest over the years, with more than 120 Innu youth applying for the program this year. Organizers hope that the expedition will inspire participants to pursue careers in conservation and environmental sciences, fostering a deeper connection to Nitassinan, the Innu-Aimun term for “our land.”
Eighteen-year-old participant Hayden Gregoire expressed his enthusiasm for the expedition, highlighting his aspiration to pursue a career in research, inspired by his experiences in ocean science during the journey. Gregoire’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the Uinipeku Expedition in igniting a passion for scientific exploration among Indigenous youth.