Sea Women Expeditions: Arctic Norway 2022

In November 2022, Sea Women Expeditions will return to Norway’s Arctic fjords. A talented group of 40 indigenous and non-indigenous female-identifying scientists, artists, storytellers, explorers, educators, and more will embark on a series of marine expeditions following free-ranging killer whales during the annual herring run. The diverse projects that will be carried out onboard include studying orca behaviour in response to the presence of snorkelers and investigating marine biodiversity and ecology using environmental (e)DNA techniques. This scientific research will complement art projects and cultural studies to help us present a holistic, diverse, and meaningful story about these majestic creatures and the ecosystem they inhabit.

About Me

I am a geoscientist, educator and VR designer/developer based in the Rocky Mountains of western Canada (just outside Banff National Park). I specialize in creating immersive and interactive experiences that help people develop a relationship with the Earth and the scientific literacy required to engage with the modern world.

As a geoscientist, I will support the expedition’s science projects by using various tools to integrate 3-D spatial data into our research and outreach. This data provide valuable context with which to interpret research data (for example, how does underwater terrain impact orca behaviour?); it will also enhance our ability to visualize and share our findings in creative, inspiring, and compelling new ways. Personally, I am especially excited to put on my virtual reality (VR) developer hat and bring the outcomes of this expedition to life through immersive technologies such as VR, working with my fellow adventurers to create immersive learning experiences that help more people build a visceral and empathetic connection with our planet, without the associated “costs” of going there.

My personal interest in visiting the Arctic is complex and varied: my grandfather served on the Arctic convoys during World War II, and my grandmother’s stories of her more recent trips to northern latitudes never failed to capture my imagination. And later, ever since I first flew over Greenland and Baffin Island, saw my first iceberg up close, and witnessed the majesty of the aurora borealis while standing on a frozen lake in Yellowknife, my internal compass has been gently pulling me northward. And, of course, as an Earth scientist, I am painfully aware of how vulnerable our polar regions are to the rapidly changing climate brought on by our hubris and greed. I can’t wait to experience this harsh yet hypnotic place firsthand and learn more about its past, its present, and how to protect its future.

About Sea Women Expeditions

Based in Canada, Sea Women Expeditions (“Sea Women”) is a volunteer-run, international team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous women ocean explorers, scientists, moviemakers, photographers, artists, writers, storytellers, historians, lawyers, cultural advisors, traditional knowledge holders, educators, and medical and scuba diving professionals.

In collaboration with Indigenous and northern women and girls in the Arctic, we explore the region’s history, culture, geography, resources, life, climate. We also investigate the challenges facing circumpolar people in a warming Arctic.

During the past decade, Sea Women has run four ocean research and dive & snorkel expeditions to the Arctic—Canada (Nunavut and Nunatsiavut), Greenland, Iceland, and Norway. More than 80 women and girls, ages 16 to 78 years, have participated in these expeditions. In consultation with Indigenous team members and advisors, our sea women have brought the ocean to eye level—via mobile touch aquariums that temporarily house sea critters, underwater robot-building workshops, snorkel safaris, and scuba diving certifications—for more than 1,000 Inuit youths, girls, and elders living in remote coastal communities in Canada and Greenland. Around the world, our sea women have delivered lectures about a warming Arctic to K-12 youth, university students, scientific and

industry associations, and the general public.

Watch this great video produced by GARMIN showcasing the ongoing work of Sea Women Expeditions.

Where the money will go

Travelling safely and responsibly to the Arctic and engaging in these valuable research activities comes at a price. To support this important work, each participant will be contributing their personal expedition costs - around $10,000. To offset some of these costs, I will be seeking sponsorship, grants, and support from generous friends, family, and other wonderful humans like you. The money raised will go towards:

Return flights to Tromso: $2,000

Expedition Vessel Costs: $6,100

Gear Rental: $100

Hotels and Food $1,000

Insurance: $700

Admin Costs: $400

I hope to raise about three-quarters of the expedition costs - $7,500 - and anything raised above my personal expedition costs will be used to support other team members and other group expedition expenses. I appreciate any support you can give - no amount is too small. Your contribution will help Sea Women continue to build a cadre of capable and inspiring female polar explorers who are committed to protecting our planet by preserving the Arctic.

Follow my journey

Follow me on my website, https://dredwardsvr.com, as I share my experiences before, during, and after this incredible experience. I will try to post at least once a week leading up to the expedition and daily while onboard. I look forward to having you all along for the ride.