Extreme cold is 'freedom' for this Inuk hunter - Action News
Home WebMail Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 01:18 AM | Calgary | -16.1°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
North

Extreme cold is 'freedom' for this Inuk hunter

The colder, the better for this Inuk hunter who lives for frozen cheeks and blizzards.

'I like it super cold I just love it,' says Tony Uluadluak

Tony Uluadluak says a good hunter has a face thick with years of frostbite. (Tony Uluadluak)

It is never too cold for Tony Uluadluak.

Never.

"I like it super cold I just love it," he said from his home in Arviat, Nunavut.

Uluadluak is a hunter, and when winter hits, he comes alive.

"It's like a rush inside of me," he said.

Uluadluak has been loving the cold since he was a boy.

One moment really stands out.

Uluadluak says he tries to get out hunting every weekend, and he loves it most when it's frigid out there. (Tony Uluadluak)

A group of elders took his whole class out on snowmobiles when it was -50with the windchill.

Once they were far enough from his community the elders stopped on the frozen tundra, looked at the kids, and said: "Now what?"

It was a test:time to survive.

There were major lessons that day.

"They all said to never panic if you break down," said Uluadluak

The kids were also taught how to make igloos.

At that point, he was hooked on the cold.

UIuadluak says he loves to wear his caribou parka when it's freezing cold. (Tony Uluadluak)

Uluadluak loves the cold so much, he actually looks forward to frostbite.

"Every year I get frostbite on my face and on my cheeks."

That's the sign of a "great hunter," he said.

Uluadluak admits that when a frozen face warms up it will hurt a bit.

But that doesn't slow him down.

"I just love the cold too much," he said.

And he's not kidding.

Uluadluak, happy as can be in the freezing cold after a successful caribou hunt. (Tony Uluadluak)

One time he drove home in a blizzard and it made him "happy."

"Just me and the blizzard," he said.

It's a situation that might send chills down the spine of anyone less experienced.

Not Uluadluak.

"I try not to be scared because that can kill me."

But Uluadluak isn't reckless and always takes necessary precautions.

That includes wearing a thick traditional caribou parka his mother made for him 10 years ago.

His wife also supports his adventures.

A frosted beard and frozen cheeks means it's been a good day for Arviat hunter, Tony Uluadluak. (Tony Uluadluak)

'She knows that I love going out in winter time. She always tells me to be careful every time when I'm going out."

Uluadluak says he loves winter and the cold because there's more work to do and it's challenging.

But most importantly, he says the cold is "freedom."

"Life is short so go out there and make the best out of it," he said.