Students from St. Mary’s College’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program recently took part in a unique cultural exchange that connected Northern Ontario and Nunavut through learning, adventure, and friendship.

From April 19–24, 2026, 20 SHSM students and four teacher/principal chaperones travelled to Pond Inlet, Nunavut. During their visit, students experienced Inuit culture firsthand through a guided tour of the Nattinnak Visitor Centre, a trip to the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary by qamutiik, a cultural fair, and activities at the local high school. On their journey north, the group also visited the Notre Dame Basilica in Ottawa for Sunday Mass.

The exchange continued when 10 students and three chaperones from Pond Inlet travelled to Sault Ste. Marie from May 15–20, 2026. Visitors were amazed by the region’s forests and natural landscapes. Their itinerary included visits to the St. Kateri Outdoor Learning Centre, St. Mary’s College, the Art Gallery of Algoma, a city double-decker tour, Campbell Amusements, Galaxy Cinemas, and hikes through Hiawatha Highlands and Crystal Falls.

This marks the third major travel experience for SHSM students in recent years, following trips to Ottawa and the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia through a YMCA exchange program.

The exchange provided students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Canada’s diverse cultures, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.