Naidoc awards honour ‘fearless, brilliant’ promoter of First Nations culture Rhoda Roberts

Last month, Gry Skjottelvik traveled to Canada with a specific purpose. The 29-year-old Norwegian mother embarked on a journey to trace the final steps of her son, Steffen Skjottelvik, who perished while trying to cross the swift-moving Hayes River while trekking from Fort Severn, Ontario, to York Factory, Manitoba. This expedition marked the second time Skjottelvik made the arduous trip in a year, as she previously ventured into the expansive and sometimes treacherous Canadian wilderness to honor her son's legacy.

Steffen, an outdoor enthusiast, had died last summer, believed to have attempted to cross the river while walking from Fort Severn to York Factory. It was then that Skjottelvik's mission shifted from mourning to fostering connections with the First Nation communities that had embraced her son. "[It was] lovely to meet the people there, to have the opportunity to talk to everyone, hear the stories, how the people there saw (Steffen) as a person," Skjottelvik reflected in a recent interview.

The 10-day trip involved multiple stops in Ontario and Manitoba, where the family reunited with community members who had played crucial roles in the search efforts for Steffen. They spent time fishing, cooking, and learning about the history and culture of the land from local Cree elders. These interactions left an indelible impression on Skjottelvik, who described First Nation communities as "open" and "supportive," fostering a sense of respect and understanding.

Her son's values of sustainable land use, spiritual reverence, and respect for Mother Earth resonated with these communities, who were moved by his openness and curiosity. Steffen had settled in Peawanuck, an isolated Cree community, where he not only spent time alone but also fostered deep connections with his dogs and fellow community members. His parents were able to visit a nearby island named after him and even spend time at the camp he had called home.

As the family journeyed through northern Manitoba, they witnessed the rugged wilderness and the inhabitants who called it home, including polar bears and wolves. Skjottelvik recounted the profound experience of listening to the birds sing, feeling the wind, and embracing the cold, all of which evoked a deep connection to the land and its people.

The Keewatin Tribal Council, representing 11 First Nations in northern Manitoba, sponsored the family's trip, and Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot played a pivotal role in arranging traditional ceremonies and connecting the family with the communities they visited.