No exceptions have been taken by the various agencies or groups except one - CLEY (the archeology division; Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, the group who umbrella approves/disapproves permits). Groups that have been favorable include NIRB (Nunavut Impact Review Board), Cambridge Bay Hamlet, Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and as recently posted, Gjoa Haven Hamlet has just signaled go.
I have made more than one inquiry over the last month to CLEY on what the latest status was on my permit for my Phase 1, which is only to take thermal pictures. Their answer was that they were waiting for "Stakeholder response". Stakeholder means "the Hamlets".
So, taking this lead and developing initiative, with time and effort here, I mitigated that. But yesterday, under 24 hours after I sent the note to CLEY about my Gjoa Haven progress and good news, I received a short one page letter back that officially advised that they regret to inform me that, based on lack of archeology experience, they are denying me the permit for this Phase 1.
But how could that be? Gjoa Haven Hamlet did not vote yet? That's coming up July 5th.
But how could that be? Gjoa Haven Hamlet did not vote yet? That's coming up July 5th.
So, for this trip I will not be doing the thermal work. However, I will be "out there" and spending time with people here in Cambridge Bay and of course Gjoa Haven. My work here and now is still an important step. So instead of phase 1 of 2 summers, I will simply look at this as Phase 1 of 3 summers. Although, I have to say that I am very surprised that I need an approved archeologist with me in order to just take pictures of the ground from up in the air at 3,000 feet.
Be that as it may, I will still stay and "explore". It's all good. Now starts the most intriguing part of this year's mission.
Ron, your posting has me thinking that perhaps CLAY should have a "feet of" in front of it -- this is a completely unjustified and nonsensical ruling. Here you are, at your own expense, there on the scene willing and able to collect data which could be of tremendous value to archaeologists and scholars around the world, and they won't let you do it. I've heard many tales of the inanity of the permitting process, but this is one of the most frustrating -- I'd even go so far as to call it Kafkaesque. I hope you will persist; your work has the support of everyone I know in this area, and there is absolutely no reason it should not go forth.
ReplyDeleteThanks Russell. Your support, along with everyone, helps motivate. I plan to persist, but try to play by the rules.
ReplyDeleteRon I am very sorry about this. It must be very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThanks William. No frustrations, lot's to do.
ReplyDeleteYou are clearly a gentleman
ReplyDeleteYou are gracious in the extreme. I am new to your endeavors but have been checking in regularly since I discovered your project. I'm deeply sorry. Is there no recourse?
ReplyDeleteThere may be a recourse, but probably best not to upset the applecart, follow their yellow brick road and look towards next year. In the meantime, I can "check stuff out" and logistically prepare for next year's attempt; goal having a qualified archeologist on team.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that. You are handling this with such grace! Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to keeping everything on the up and up, which, as you note, is surely the best path to follow, both for yourself and all future searchers.
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