Building Connections North of the Arctic Circle: Ridley Students Visit Kugaaruk, Nunavut

This June, a group of Ridley students travelled to Kugaaruk, Nunavut, completing a year-long cultural exchange that fostered friendship, understanding and connection between youth from two very different parts of Canada.

The exchange was guided by Hockey Cares, a programme of True North Aid delivered in partnership with Experiences Canada. The initiative uses hockey to build meaningful relationships and advance reconciliation, bringing young people together through shared experiences, teamwork and cultural exchange.

The visit built upon the first phase of the programme, when students from Kugaaruk travelled to Ridley in February 2026. During their time in St. Catharines, students formed friendships through hockey, community activities and cultural experiences. The June exchange provided an opportunity to strengthen those connections and deepen the relationships that had already begun.

After a journey of more than 6,400 kilometres, Ridley students arrived in Kugaaruk and were welcomed into the community by familiar faces and new friends. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of organized and informal activities, including hockey-inspired team competitions, open gym sessions, community volleyball and evening recreation. At the heart of every activity was a shared commitment to inclusion, participation and mutual respect.

Beyond athletics, students were immersed in Inuit culture and traditions. They attended a traditional drum dance, participated in workshops led by local artists and Elders and learned about the cultural significance of seal skin, traditional tools and harvesting practices. Land-based learning experiences included cooking Arctic char over a traditional nuna fire and hiking Gravel Pit Mountain, offering students a deeper appreciation for the Arctic landscape and the community’s connection to the land.

Community-centred experiences further enriched the exchange. A welcome feast featuring traditional northern foods, including caribou, muskox and narwhal, introduced students to local cuisine. A village-wide scavenger hunt, Inuit Games and a community square dance with live music brought residents and visitors together, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and shared celebration.

The Kugaaruk exchange demonstrated the power of partnership, curiosity and human connection. Students returned home with a deeper understanding of northern communities, a greater appreciation for Inuit culture and a stronger sense of their role in building bridges across differences. More importantly, they returned with friendships that transcend geography and a renewed belief in the value of listening, learning and connecting with others.

Ridley extends its sincere gratitude to Emma Keagan, Kelsey Apsaktaun and Jessie Apsaktaun for welcoming our students into their community and helping make the experience so memorable. We also thank Sue Heddle and the Hockey Cares team, along with True North Aid and Experiences Canada, for their leadership, vision and support in making both phases of this remarkable exchange possible.

Living Terar Dum Prosim

Experiences like the Kugaaruk cultural exchange exemplify Ridley’s commitment to developing globally minded, compassionate leaders. Through authentic relationships and shared experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of reconciliation, empathy and service, living out our motto, Terar Dum Prosim — “May I be consumed in service.”