There’s no “I” in “austere”: Working as a team in Canada’s North during Operation NANOOK – Lucy Ellis, Task Force Nunavut Public Affairs

Arriving in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut in the late summer, there are a few things that stand out: the terrain is rough and rocky, most people drive trucks or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), there are no trees anywhere, and the wind coming off the water cuts through your clothes. The beauty of the landscape can distract from a critical feature: operating and living in a remote, northern location can be incredibly difficult.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) conducted Operation NANOOK 2017 in Nunavut and Labrador from August 14 to August 25. The importance of building relationships was central throughout the operation.

It comes as no surprise that there is a high degree of camaraderie among CAF members from the same unit or brigade, but this operation stressed the importance of developing relationships beyond that.

“Not only did Operation NANOOK enhance our capability to operate in austere conditions in Canada’s North, it also provided our task force members with an outstanding opportunity to engage with our whole-of-government partners in a realistic, emergency scenario,” said Lieutenant-Colonel David Fraser, Commander Task Force Nunavut.