In this episode of Greatest Classroom on Earth, Students on Ice founder Geoff Green sits down with Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, a trailblazing Inuit leader and former Member of Parliament. Senator Karetak-Lindell reflects on her journey from Arviat, Nunavut to the Senate of Canada, sharing insights on community leadership, Indigenous representation, the challenges and hopes for Inuit youth, and her participation in the 2017 Students on Ice Arctic expedition.

Together, they explore her childhood growing up on the shores of Hudson's Bay, the impact of residential schools, views on the power of mentorship, and the role of traditional knowledge in shaping Inuit lives and policy. Senator Karetak-Lindell speaks candidly about the value of Inuit being heard in political spaces and the strength of cultural identity.

Along with our theme song by Sarah Harmer, this episode also features music recorded on the 2017 SOI Arctic Expedition by Juno award winner Ian Tamblyn, and accompanied by two more SOI alumni, James Raffan and Andrew Bresnahan.

Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell is an Inuk leader from Arviat, Nunavut. In 1997, she became the first female Member of Parliament for the Eastern Arctic, serving until 2008. She later led the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and has held many leadership roles advocating for Inuit rights. Appointed to the Senate in 2024, she continues to champion issues such as housing, language, and northern equity. She is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.

"I still remember the pin drop silence and hearing the ice melting; millions of drops of the purest water on the planet going into the freshest body of water that exists."

In this fourth episode of Greatest Classroom on Earth, host Geoff Green sits down with Abhay Singh Sachal, who took part in the 2016 Students On Ice Arctic expedition. Now a climate activist and co-founder of Break the Divide, Abhay speaks about his journey from a student in Surrey, BC, to an award-winning environmental leader who fosters international dialogue about climate change and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of connection, emotional resilience, and intergenerational cooperation in tackling climate challenges and building sustainable communities. The episode underscores the transformative impact of Students on Ice expeditions and the ongoing efforts of its alumni to promote climate justice and community building.

Abhay Singh Sachal is the co-founder of Break the Divide, a nonprofit organization that bridges gaps between youth in different communities, particularly Indigenous and non-Indigenous. His work resides at the intersection of climate change, eco-anxiety, mental health, and spirituality. He has been recognized as one of the top 25 under 25 environmentalists in Canada. Abhay is also one of ten Youth Council Advisors at Environment and Climate Change Canada. He is completing a master's degree in Educational Psychology at the University of Regina.

Music featured in this episode includes our opening theme, "Lancaster Sound" by Sarah Harmer, "Spirits" by Tim Harper, and "Breathe In" by Ian Tamblyn and Shawna Dicker. The last two songs were composed and recorded on the 2016 SOI Arctic expedition.

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Meet Abhay Singh Sachel

03:01 Abhay's Early Life and Influences

06:19 Journey to the Arctic

08:45 Experiences and Reflections in the Arctic

15:55 Impact of the Expedition

20:52 Abhay's Continued Advocacy

21:37 The Birth of Break the Divide

24:34 Expanding Connections Globally

26:40 Academic Pursuits and Research

28:31 Addressing Eco Anxiety

31:26 Building Resilient Communities

35:41 Reflections and Future Goals

40:53 Final Thoughts