Indigenous guides in the Arctic are training Canada’s military: ‘When they talk, I listen’

Canadian rangers Aaron Maktar and Angela Okalik shelter behind a sled as a transport helicopter lifts off, after dropping the two on a frozen lake. Photograph: Leyland Cecco/Guardian

Warrant officer Jim Davison had spent a full day travelling the sea ice off the coast of Baffin Island when his group decided to set up camp for the night.

The Canadian soldier ran through a mental checklist of what was needed: shelter in the forest, wood for a fire and a source of fresh water.