Inuit-Led · Nunavut & Greenland

Inuit-led.
Community-centric.
Industry-connected.

Evolving Arctic tourism into a shared journey — where Inuit, communities, and industry co-create opportunities that endure.

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400%+
Economic value growth in participating communities
40 / yr
Inuit employment pathways created annually
1 : 5
Return on investment across key programs
Mariah Erkloo, community leader Oxen leadership team
Who We Are

Part of the North.
Building its future.

Oxen is an Inuit-led not-for-profit operating across Nunavut and Greenland. We bring together community leaders, industry partners, and travellers — not as observers, but as people who are part of this place.

Founded on lived experience and long-term relationships, Oxen connects existing strengths: Inuit knowledge, industry capacity, and shared ambition for a tourism model that actually works for communities.

"The goal isn't better tourism about us. It's better tourism with us."

We are a small organization with an outsized mandate — building systems, pathways, and partnerships that shift how Arctic tourism operates from the inside out.

What We Do

Local knowledge.
Shared experiences.
Better travel.

We don't create opportunity from scratch — we unlock and connect strengths that already exist. Four core offerings. One integrated approach.

01

Creating Sustainable Employment Pathways

We help structure career pathways that maximize Inuit representation at every level — from guides and interpreters to leadership and ownership.

02

Supporting Community-Led Tourism Experiences

We support communities to design, own, and lead tourism experiences that reflect their values, needs, and vision — not templates imposed from outside.

03

Advising Industry Leaders From Local Perspectives

We work directly with expedition operators and travel organizations to redesign programs and practices that deliver genuine shared value.

04

Facilitating Community-Operator Partnerships

We help connect aligned relationships across Inuit Nunaat — bringing together communities, funders, operators, and institutions committed to the long game.

How We Work

Constructive.
Collaborative.
Grounded in respect.

Build Up, Not Call Out

Lasting change comes from creating conditions for people to grow — not public criticism. Progress requires trust, and trust requires patience.

Honour Progress, Push Further

We acknowledge real steps forward while continuing to push for deeper, more meaningful change. Perfect is the enemy of progress — but progress is not the end.

Create Space for Dialogue

The most important conversations in Arctic tourism need a table where everyone can speak honestly. We create that space — and hold it with care.

Long-Term Relationships

We prioritize relationships over reactions, systems over transactions, and outcomes that endure over optics that fade. This is slow work done with intention.

Committed to Progress

We work with what's real, what's possible, and what moves things forward — for communities, for industry, and for the future of the North.

Rooted in Lived Experience

Our work comes from years in communities, in boardrooms, and on the land — understanding what works, what doesn't, and what's actually at stake.

See our work in motion.

From community expeditions in Pond Inlet to cultural partnerships in East Greenland — this is what Oxen looks like on the ground.

Arctic expedition footage
Watch: Oxen in the Field
A New Model

Beyond sustainability.
Toward shared values.

Sustainable tourism is necessary — but not sufficient. The future of Arctic tourism requires a deeper shift: from extraction to partnership, from observation to participation.

The Old Model

Tourism as short-term extraction

Communities receive visitors but hold little voice, limited economic return, and minimal say in how their place and culture are represented.

Equal Tourism

Communities with an equal voice

Equal tourism means communities share not just economic benefit, but voice, respect, and decision-making power. Visitors experience something real.

Regenerative Tourism

Tourism with a net-positive impact

Regenerative tourism creates outcomes that strengthen communities, culture, and the land — not just sustain them. Travel becomes a genuine force for good.

Programs & Pathways

Connecting people.
Unlocking potential.

Three integrated programs. One platform for Inuit-led tourism development across Nunavut and Greenland.

Community Ambassador Program
Program 01

Community Ambassador Program

Inuit ambassadors join expedition voyages — sharing knowledge, building relationships, and creating lasting pathways into the industry between Inuit knowledge holders and international travellers.

Reach out
Community Engagement & Discovery Expeditions
Program 02

Community Engagement & Discovery Expeditions

We bring company representatives into communities to listen, learn, and co-design tourism experiences grounded in shared opportunities — guided by the people who call these communities home.

Reach out
Local Mentorship & Capacity Building
Program 03

Local Mentorship & Capacity Building

We support individuals and communities in developing tourism skills, businesses, and long-term strategies — building the skills, networks, and confidence to lead, own, and grow their own tourism ventures.

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Impact & Social Return

Small organization.
Big impact.

These aren't aspirations. They are outcomes from programs already running in communities across Nunavut and Greenland.

0%+

Local Economic Value Growth

Increase in local economic value of tourism in participating communities — shifting where money flows and who it reaches.

0

Inuit Employment Pathways / Year

Meaningful employment opportunities created annually — not extractive labour, but dignified, community-rooted careers.

0

Return on Investment

For every dollar invested in key programs, five dollars of measurable social and economic value is generated in communities.

Leadership Team

Rooted in the North.
Shaping what's next.

Oxen is led by people with deep community ties, real Arctic experience, and a shared commitment to doing this work with integrity.

Mariah Erkloo
Engagement Manager, Nunavut · Director
Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Brandon Langan
Engagement Manager, Canada · Director
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Inuuteq Kriegel
Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director
Nuuk, Greenland
Kimmernaq Heilmann
Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director
Sisimiut, Greenland
Alex McNeil
Manager, Admin & Industry · Director, Secretary
Toronto, Ontario
Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Mariah Erkloo
Engagement Manager, Nunavut · Director

An Inuk youth leader from Pond Inlet, Mariah has sailed the Northwest Passage across three operational seasons. A graduate of Nunavut Sivuniksavut and sociology student at the University of British Columbia, she brings a powerful blend of academic knowledge and lived experience.

Community LeadershipCultural EducationYouth Advocacy

Background

Graduate of Nunavut Sivuniksavut and current sociology student at UBC. Universally respected for calm leadership, insightful communication, and driving meaningful projects from concept to completion.

In Practice

Began as a Community Ambassador in 2022 — leading guest presentations, planning community visits, and offering local interpretation. Now coordinates initiatives across Nunavut and Greenland.

Global Voice

Represents Inuit communities at international conferences, advancing conversations about Indigenous leadership in tourism.

Focus Areas

Community engagement strategy, youth leadership pathways, and Inuit-centred tourism design.

Get in touch with Mariah
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Brandon Langan
Engagement Manager, Canada · Director

An Inuk community leader, expedition specialist, and Arctic field operator known for his deep connection to the land and his ability to support complex work in some of the most remote environments on Earth. Widely respected for his practical skillset, calm presence, and commitment to his community.

Field OperationsCommunity SupportArctic Logistics

Community Roots

In Cambridge Bay, Brandon gives back by leading counselling programs for those experiencing addiction — support rooted in lived experience, trust, and cultural understanding.

Expedition Experience

Multiple seasons as Community Ambassador on expedition ships, sharing Inuit perspectives and bridging cultural understanding.

Landmark Achievement

Part of an over-ice expedition driving modified vehicles 1,000+ km across sea ice between Resolute and Cambridge Bay.

Technical Expertise

Field operations, logistics, and hands-on technical support for scientific and exploratory initiatives in extreme Arctic conditions.

Get in touch with Brandon
Nuuk, Greenland
Inuuteq Kriegel
Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director

Born in Aasiaat and based in Nuuk, Inuuteq is a Greenlandic tourism expert, cultural leader, and storyteller with a deep commitment to community-led development. He began as a journalist and professional photographer before moving into guiding, interpretation, and cultural project management.

Cultural StorytellingCommunity PartnershipsGreenland Operations

Cultural Leadership

Project Leader at the National Theatre of Greenland, coordinating national tours that celebrate Greenlandic culture.

East Greenland Impact

Three visits in the past year and a five-week residency in Ittoqqortoormiit, East Greenland, have resulted in one of the region's most impactful tourism partnerships.

Career Arc

Began as journalist and photographer before moving into guiding, interpretation, and cultural project management across Greenland.

Approach

Widely respected for building trust, delivering meaningful experiences, and championing futures led by local voices.

Get in touch with Inuuteq
Sisimiut, Greenland
Kimmernaq Heilmann
Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director

A Greenlandic adventure guide, educator, and community leader known for exceptional versatility across Arctic environments. Originally from Maniitsoq and closely connected to Sisimiut, she brings rare technical skill, endurance, and cultural grounding to her work across sea, land, and ice.

Glacier GuidingYouth MentorshipArctic Endurance

Technical Credentials

Certified glacier and outdoor guide with extensive experience in Greenland's most demanding conditions — sea ice, glaciers, and open terrain.

Arctic Circle Race

Veteran of the Arctic Circle Race — one of the world's toughest cross-country skiing events — demonstrating elite-level Arctic endurance.

Educator

Mentors emerging guides through the Adventure Guide certification at Campus Kujalleq, strengthening youth opportunity in Greenlandic tourism.

Philosophy

Brings technical expertise and deep cultural respect to every program — ensuring Greenlandic identity is honoured in all tourism work.

Get in touch with Kimmernaq
Toronto, Ontario
Alex McNeil
Manager, Admin & Industry · Director, Secretary

A trailblazer in the expedition industry since 2007, Alex has completed over 150 expeditions including reaching the Geographic North Pole on 14 separate occasions. His innovative and collaborative approach to product development has led to industry-first itineraries and the first expedition cruise products developed in full partnership with Indigenous communities.

Expedition IndustryProduct DevelopmentStrategic Leadership

Industry Role

Chief Expedition Officer (CXO) at HX Expeditions — the world's largest expedition cruise company — managing a portfolio of over €300M in expedition programs.

Track Record

150+ expeditions, 14 North Pole operations, industry-first itineraries and the first Indigenous-partnered expedition cruise product line.

Education

Studied accounting at the University of Toronto. Executive MBA, University of Western Ontario.

With Oxen

Brings deep industry networks and operational expertise to support community benefit and Indigenous partnership in Arctic tourism.

Get in touch with Alex

Mariah Erkloo

Engagement Manager, Nunavut · Director
Pond Inlet, Nunavut
↓
Mariah Erkloo
Pond Inlet, Nunavut

An Inuk youth leader from Pond Inlet, Mariah has sailed the Northwest Passage across three operational seasons. A graduate of Nunavut Sivuniksavut and sociology student at UBC, she brings a powerful blend of academic knowledge and lived experience.

Community LeadershipCultural EducationYouth Advocacy

Background

Graduate of Nunavut Sivuniksavut and current sociology student at UBC. Respected for calm leadership and driving meaningful projects from concept to completion.

In Practice

Began as a Community Ambassador in 2022 — leading guest presentations, community visits, and local interpretation. Now coordinates initiatives across Nunavut and Greenland.

Global Voice

Represents Inuit communities at international conferences, advancing Indigenous leadership in tourism.

Focus Areas

Community engagement strategy, youth leadership pathways, and Inuit-centred tourism design.

Get in touch with Mariah

Brandon Langan

Engagement Manager, Canada · Director
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
↓
Brandon Langan
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

An Inuk community leader, expedition specialist, and Arctic field operator known for his deep connection to the land and his ability to support complex work in some of the most remote environments on Earth.

Field OperationsCommunity SupportArctic Logistics

Community Roots

Leads counselling programs in Cambridge Bay for those experiencing addiction — support rooted in lived experience and cultural understanding.

Expedition Experience

Multiple seasons as Community Ambassador on expedition ships, sharing Inuit perspectives and bridging cultural understanding.

Landmark Achievement

Part of an over-ice expedition driving modified vehicles 1,000+ km across sea ice between Resolute and Cambridge Bay.

Technical Expertise

Field operations, logistics, and hands-on technical support for scientific and exploratory initiatives in extreme Arctic conditions.

Get in touch with Brandon

Inuuteq Kriegel

Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director
Nuuk, Greenland
↓
Inuuteq Kriegel
Nuuk, Greenland

Born in Aasiaat and based in Nuuk, Inuuteq is a Greenlandic tourism expert, cultural leader, and storyteller with a deep commitment to community-led development.

Cultural StorytellingCommunity PartnershipsGreenland Operations

Cultural Leadership

Project Leader at the National Theatre of Greenland, coordinating national tours celebrating Greenlandic culture.

East Greenland Impact

Five-week residency in Ittoqqortoormiit resulted in one of the region's most impactful tourism partnerships.

Career Arc

Began as journalist and photographer before moving into guiding, interpretation, and cultural project management across Greenland.

Approach

Widely respected for building trust and championing futures led by local voices.

Get in touch with Inuuteq

Kimmernaq Heilmann

Engagement Manager, Greenland · Director
Sisimiut, Greenland
↓
Kimmernaq Heilmann
Sisimiut, Greenland

A Greenlandic adventure guide, educator, and community leader known for exceptional versatility across Arctic environments — sea, land, and ice.

Glacier GuidingYouth MentorshipArctic Endurance

Technical Credentials

Certified glacier and outdoor guide with extensive experience in Greenland's most demanding conditions.

Arctic Circle Race

Veteran of one of the world's toughest cross-country skiing events — demonstrating elite-level Arctic endurance.

Educator

Mentors emerging guides through the Adventure Guide certification at Campus Kujalleq.

Philosophy

Brings technical expertise and deep cultural respect — ensuring Greenlandic identity is honoured in all tourism work.

Get in touch with Kimmernaq

Alex McNeil

Manager, Admin & Industry · Director, Secretary
Toronto, Ontario
↓
Alex McNeil
Toronto, Ontario

A trailblazer in the expedition industry since 2007, Alex has completed over 150 expeditions including reaching the Geographic North Pole on 14 separate occasions.

Expedition IndustryProduct DevelopmentStrategic Leadership

Industry Role

Chief Expedition Officer (CXO) at HX Expeditions — the world's largest expedition cruise company — managing over €300M in programs.

Track Record

150+ expeditions, 14 North Pole operations, industry-first itineraries, and the first Indigenous-partnered expedition cruise product line.

Education

Studied accounting at the University of Toronto. Executive MBA, University of Western Ontario.

With Oxen

Brings deep industry networks and operational expertise to support community benefit and Indigenous partnership in Arctic tourism.

Get in touch with Alex
A Shared Future

Shaped together.

The future of Arctic tourism isn't written yet. We believe it can be community-led, economically inclusive, culturally authentic, and built on partnership rather than transaction.

That future requires organizations willing to do the slow, relationship-first work of building it from the inside. That's what Oxen is here for.

Community-Led Economically Inclusive Culturally Authentic Built on Partnership
Our Partners

Organizations committed
to doing things differently.

Oxen works with a focused network of aligned partners — expedition operators, tourism organizations, and community institutions — who share our belief that Arctic tourism can and must work better for the people who call the North home.

HX Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions
Arctic Kingdom
Lindblad Expeditions
Ponant
Seabourn
EMO Trans Arctic
Government of Nunavut
Semersoq
Partners & Collaboration

Working with those who share our values.

Oxen works with a focused network of aligned organizations willing to engage deeply — not just symbolically. Together, we are working to establish a new standard for how tourism can operate in the Arctic.

We are open to new partnerships to expand our network. If your organization shares these values, we want to hear from you.

01

Community Benefit

Partners who genuinely believe in Inuit self-determination and community benefit — not as marketing, but as operating principle.

02

Long-Term Commitment

Organizations willing to invest in relationships, accept feedback, and stay engaged through the complexity of real change.

03

True Engagement

A genuine willingness to redesign programs, compensation structures, and community engagement — not just add a land acknowledgement.

If your organization aligns with these values, we'd like to talk.

Start a Conversation

Follow our Journey.

Updates from communities, programs, and the people driving change across the Arctic.

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Contact

Let's build something together.

We welcome inquiries from expedition operators, funders, community organizations, strategic partners, and anyone who believes Arctic tourism can work better for the people who call the North home.

info@oxennetwork.com
Operators & Industry Partners — program design, community engagement, advisory
Funders & Grantmakers — program funding, impact partnerships
Communities — capacity building, programs, collaboration
Media & Strategic Partners — interviews, research, collaboration

We aim to respond within 3–5 business days.

Thank you — your message has been received. We'll be in touch soon.

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