Kourtney Wolkie set out on her first solo expedition into the wilderness as a teenager, driven by her desire to go fishing. Guided by a hand-drawn map from her mother, Dianne Ruben, Wolkie headed to the Hornaday River in search of her father, who was already in the area. Ruben expressed her confidence in her daughter’s ability to navigate the river, stating that it was a straightforward route she was sure Wolkie would handle correctly.
Since that initial journey, Wolkie’s comfort in outdoor excursions has flourished. Now 33 years old, she leads a group of women from her community on fishing and berry picking outings, sharing her expertise and helping them enhance their outdoor skills. This initiative has evolved over the past four years, starting with Wolkie and her cousin embarking on fishing trips to Billy Lake, located about an hour-and-a-half ATV ride away from Paulatuk.
As their enthusiasm for these trips grew, Wolkie began inviting more women to join through social media posts, resulting in groups of up to 15 women venturing out together. Before each expedition, safety measures are discussed, and someone is designated to carry a rifle for animal protection. Wolkie draws her confidence from years of experience traveling the land with her parents, particularly during caribou hunting trips.
Acknowledging the influence of her upbringing, Wolkie attributes her knowledge and skills to her parents, who introduced her to traditional activities like fishing, hunting, and foraging. She values the opportunity to learn from elders and the community, describing it as a blessing rather than a curse. Wolkie’s commitment to preserving her family’s heritage resonates with her mother, Ruben, who takes pride in seeing her daughter carry on the legacy of their ancestors who spent a significant part of the year living off the land. She hopes that future generations, including their grandchildren, will continue these traditions.