Navigating the Northwest Passage: Science, Stories & Stewardship
One Ocean is now deep in the Northwest Passage, traversing Inuit territory in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region—a place where land, ice, and culture are intimately tied. This region of the Arctic is starkly beautiful, shaped by wind, wildlife, and water—and by the people who have called it home for thousands of years.
This leg of our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. We've faced harrowing moments threading through shifting sea ice and spent long days at sea planning our route and adjusting to the ever-changing conditions of the Arctic. Yet in every port, we've been welcomed with immense generosity and curiosity.
From Teller, to Utqiagvik, Herschel Island and beyond, we've been met by scientists, hunters, educators, park rangers, elders, and children. People here are living at the forefront of climate change. They’ve shared their stories with us, not just out of concern, but with a sense of urgency. Their coastlines are eroding. Traditional food sources are shifting. Ice patterns are no longer predictable. And yet, their culture and connection to the land and sea remains strong.
We're grateful that so many from these communities—Inuit families, hunters, and youth—are following our expedition and contributing their voices.
As part of the Around the Americas education component, our focus is on four central themes:
- Ocean Research
- Marine Technology
- Expedition Life (navigation, route planning, weather, etc.)
- Collected Stories (voices of people we meet)
Our onboard team includes two dedicated interns: Tess Schornack, our education outreach and social media coordinator, and Grace Dalton, our lead scientist.
Both have been instrumental in producing educational content and building partnerships throughout our journey. In just a few months at sea, they’ve helped create an ever-growing library of free educational videos now available at oneislandoneocean.com → Education Videos.
Topics include:
- Climate and ocean research - example: Understanding Polar Ice with Harry Stern
- Exploring kelp beds using quadrats- example: False Narrows Kelp Site
- Marine technology- example: Solar Power for the NW Passage
- Navigation and weather insights - example: Navigation/Radar System
Our onboard engineer, Mike Beemer from Skagit Valley College’s Marine Technology Center. Known for his endless wisdom and infectious enthusiasm (our favorite Beemer quote: “I’m a lifelong learner!”), Mike has been sharing incredible tech knowledge aboard One Ocean. We've been recording these lessons and turning them into video resources for anyone interested in learning more about marine systems and sustainable technology.
We've also been partnering with Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants, a global education platform connecting students with explorers in real time. You can watch our previous sessions on their YouTube site and join us live starting this September as we resume two classrooms per month. Stay tuned to our website and social media for scheduling updates.
Upcoming topics include:
- Deploying ROVs
- Buoy data collection (wave height and temperature)
- Whale tracking and identification
- Underwater kelp surveys
Our Mission Continues – But We Need Your Support
As the school year approaches, we know educators are facing tighter budgets and tougher choices. That’s why we’re committed to making our educational tools free and accessible to all. Please help us spread the word by sharing our videos and website with teachers, students, and curriculum leaders.
Our expedition is privately funded from contributors like you and thank you to all that have helped us achieve what we have done so far! We’ve raised about two-thirds of our needed budget—but we still need your help. Your donations directly support research and education outreach. Every dollar goes to furthering this important work. You can donate through our website with Venmo, PayPal or a check to Around the Americas 1110 316th St. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292, or for a tax deduction you can donate through our nonprofit partner Skagit Valley College Foundation.
If you’re not in a place to donate, one simple but powerful way to help is to watch our YouTube videos, like, comment, and subscribe. Engagement helps boost our visibility and can help us attract potential sponsors.
Inspired by the Past, Acting for the Future
In 2009–2010, Mark Schrader, Herb McCormick, Dave Logan, David Thoreson, and Mike Reynolds embarked on the first Around the Americas journey—sailing around both continents to raise awareness about the health of our ocean. Their story is beautifully captured in Herb’s book One Island, One Ocean, a huge inspiration to me personally.
That voyage sparked something in me. Now, years later, I find myself part of the next chapter and I’m hoping this expedition can do for others what theirs did for me: ignite curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Please stay connected, share our story, and help us keep sailing forward.
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Visit www.oneislandoneocean.com to explore, learn, and support.