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In the haunting beauty of the Northern Yukon, the moon hung low, casting a soft glow over the rugged British Mountains as dawn approached. The horizon transitioned from deep purple to a delicate blue, heralding the arrival of a new day. For those few fortunate enough to witness this moment, the experience is etched in memory rather than captured through a lens. As a journalist and photographer, I aimed to document this stunning landscape—but on that particular morning, I chose presence over preservation.
A Cold Journey of Discovery
On 27 February, I joined a group of Canadian Rangers on their mission towards Shingle Point, a radar installation nestled in a remote fishing village. After two weeks of extreme conditions, my equipment had succumbed to the unforgiving cold; every camera I owned was frozen, with batteries dead and lenses encrusted in frost. The last photograph I managed to take was of Sergeant Brad Brennae, who requested a keepsake to send to his mother. It felt fitting to end my visual documentation there, allowing the moment to exist solely in the minds of those who lived it.
Raised in southern Alberta and currently residing in Calgary, I am far from a native of the North. My Indigenous heritage granted me limited insight into the lives of the Gwich’in, Dene, and Inuit peoples, whose existence is intricately linked to this harsh yet beautiful land. My initial draw to the Arctic was not rooted in adventure but in the strategic importance I believe it holds for Canada’s future—encompassing issues of sovereignty, infrastructure, defence, climate change, and international relations.
Understanding the Arctic’s Strategic Importance
My passion for field journalism began when I realised how little attention was devoted to the Canadian Rangers, a group of individuals who traverse the most isolated areas of our country. This realisation prompted me to delve deeper into the realm of defence and security. I returned to university in 2016, completing a degree in international relations and pursuing further studies at the University of Calgary’s Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies. I focus my research on Arctic security and the evolving role of the Canadian Armed Forces, believing that a comprehensive understanding of these topics requires both academic rigor and personal experience.
The Rangers’ patrols across tundra, sea ice, and dense forests are designed to demonstrate their capability to access regions devoid of established roads. Local Rangers act as guides, navigating through treacherous terrain. As a civilian journalist embedded with military personnel, I find myself in a complex space—neither fully an observer nor a participant. Soldiers often view journalists with skepticism, aware that our visits can be fleeting and conclusions may be oversimplified. From the outset, it is crucial to establish clear boundaries: my aim is not to advocate for or condemn the military but to observe, question, and report accurately.
The Reality of Arctic Patrols
While I may not be a soldier, the expectations during these patrols mirror those of the Rangers: keep pace, contribute meaningfully, and endure the harsh conditions. When they rise at dawn, so do I; when they move through the darkness, I follow suit. There are moments of sheer difficulty, where photography opportunities vanish in seconds, replaced by the urgency of keeping up with the patrol.
On that fateful day, as we faced an intense Arctic storm, the conditions became perilous. The blizzard enveloped us, transforming the world into an unrecognisable white expanse. After my snowmobile hit a hardened drift and overturned, I found myself disoriented and isolated. In that moment of vulnerability, Master Warrant Officer Kevin Lincez approached me, offering the reassurance I desperately needed. “You’re with the best people on the planet,” he said, instilling a sense of security amidst the chaos. “We’re not going to let anything happen to you.”
The Importance of Ground-Level Perspectives
Understanding Canada’s national security cannot be achieved solely from southern offices; it necessitates a presence on the ground, fostering relationships and enduring discomfort to truly grasp what it takes to protect our nation. Sometimes that understanding manifests in the form of a breathtaking sunrise over a mountain range, while at other times, it comes from the warmth of a reassuring hand in the midst of a storm.
As I returned safely from my Arctic expedition, the lessons learned extended beyond the immediate challenges of survival. The experience underscored the importance of documenting not just the stark realities of military life but also the humanity within it. Engaging with the Rangers has enriched my understanding of the complexities surrounding Arctic security, and the necessity for a nuanced narrative that encompasses both the strategic and the personal.
Why it Matters
Exploring the Arctic and immersing oneself in the lives of the Canadian Rangers provides critical insights into the nation’s security landscape. In a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and climate-related challenges, understanding the dynamics of this region is essential. The stories of those who inhabit and protect the North are not merely tales of survival; they reflect a broader narrative about Canada’s identity, resilience, and commitment to safeguarding its future. By amplifying these voices and experiences, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life in the Arctic and its significance to the entire country.
