Finished Igloo

Building an Igloo

this post is part of the
“Arctic Memories” Series

From August, 1997 until July, 1998 I worked as an English and Computer Instructor at Nunavut Arctic College in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Living in the far north, above the arctic circle, made for some unique experiences. During that time I maintained a website called Grant Wilson’s Arctic Slice of Life.

In a series here called “Arctic Memories”, I’m re-posting pages from that website, along with my current impressions recorded some 22 years later.

My commentary in 2020

Helping to build and later sleep in an igloo still remains a strong memory from my time in Cambridge Bay. After all, it’s not a common thing to be able to do anywhere south of the arctic. In the original version I included everyone’s family name, but I’ve decided to edit those here just in case privacy is a factor for those involved. 

The real reason we were able to get an igloo built at all was because Doug S. knew the skill and art necessary to construct one. The rest of us just cut snow blocks for him to do his thing. Doug was originally from the Toronto area (I believe) and lived pretty much like a traditional Inuk. He seemed to knew more about the traditional Inuit ways than any of the younger generation. I honestly forget the level of gratitude for his work that I had at the time, but I certainly feel the gratitude now. Thanks Doug for making that memorable experience a reality way back on the day in late March, 1998!

My original post was essentially a short series of digital images with short captions beside each. That’s the format I’ll follow here.

On March 22 a great group of people got together to build an igloo. This was a first for most of us and it was truly a fun time. We built a snow house and maybe some new friendships too.

Alex T. cutting one of the first blocks for the igloo.

Alex T. cutting one of the first blocks for the igloo.

Doug S. (standing inside the igloo) was the brains of the outfit.

Doug S. (standing inside the igloo) was the brains of the outfit. He was responsible for actually building the thing. The rest of us pretty much just cut blocks and handed them to him.

Tim S. cuts out a block.

Tim S. cuts out a block.

Doug adds to the spiral of snow blocks that eventually circle around to the top of the dome of the igloo.

Doug adds to the spiral of snow blocks that eventually circle around to the top of the dome of the igloo. A few kids from the neighbourhood helped along too. They took pride in doing a good job. This may be my favourite pic of the lot.

Suzanne, a volunteer teacher from Germany, cuts out a block.

Suzanne, a volunteer teacher from Germany, cuts out a block.

“Help!”

“Help!”

Doug adds to the walls.

Doug adds to the walls.

The group in front of the finished structure. It was a great time!

The group in front of the finished structure. It was a great time!

I also took a picture later at night.

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2 Comments

  1. I imagine there were a few “reject” blocks before you got the production line perfected?

    This is ideal reading for a sweltering summer night. Thanks Grant!

    1. Thanks for the comment Tom!

      I’m so happy I have at least pictures and that I did a write up for the website back then, otherwise, honestly there’s a chance I would have forgotten the whole thing completely. Yes, there probably was a learning curve to cutting out those blocks. Goodness knows there was plenty of snow available and I distinctly remember we were on the “edge” of town so that snow would have been pounded by the wind day and night into the hard form you need for igloo blocks.

      The next installment will be about sleeping in the igloo. There were four guys packed into that thing, so you have to know that was tight fit!

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