David also has certification in Arctic deep water diving and was instrumental in multiple facets of the expedition.  His experience gave the team an unusual access to the narwhal as evidenced by the success on all expeditions.  Likewise, his concern and attention to details of safety kept the dangers of breaking ice floes and polar bear under careful watch. David became an invaluable resource.  His manner was balanced between a serious and well respected hunter and a quiet and well humored personality.  He provided insight into the workings of his culture and their hunting tradition.   His lessons would train my understanding of Inuit culture and like most good teachers inspire further learning.

May 30th, 2003 Journal Entry

Jake and David arrived at the house where I was staying in Pond Inlet. It was a small room, and other than the mattress I was sleeping on, equipment and clothing gear occupied the entire floor space. Jake made a quick introduction and left the room. David looked at me quizzically for a moment and then in a very determined voice began to ask me questions.
Q: "What do you want to do?"David asked.
A: "Just have the opportunity to accompany you on the floe edge," I responded.
Q: "What do you want to see?"
A: "I am only here for the narwhal."
Q: "Can I see the boots you have?"
A: "Sure." I hold up the boots and he nods.
Q: "Show me the heaviest jacket you have."
A: I say nothing and hold up my feather down jacket.

At this point David smiles and begins to raise his voice to call the husband of the family I was staying with. All in Inuktitut, they converse for awhile and after a few moments, a large fur lined jacket appears. They present it to me and ask that I try it on. They smile approvingly and David begins to talk.

"Tomorrow you should be on the front steps of this house with all your equipment, ready to go. We will have 24 hours of light and will take shifts for polar bear watch." He pauses occasionally to see my response but continues talking. "We will not know what day it is, the weather will constantly change, and we must be alert for breaks in the ice. You will also have polar bear watch and will need to wake me if you see one come close to the campsite. Have a nice nightmare." David was serious and smiling at the same time, and I recall feeling like a stunned animal until a minute after he left the room.

As I later found out, he would become an invaluable resource—helpful, reliable, and dependable.