Arctic Patrol: Canada’s Fight for Arctic Sovereignty

In the 1920s, Canada’ s claim on the Arctic archipelago was tenuous at best. In 1880, the United Kingdom had handed over control of the area to the expanding dominion, though much of the area was still unoccupied and unexplored. But the need to reinforce sovereignty— and quickly— was driven by increasing threats on the horizon. The Americans, Danish and Norwegians were particularly active in the Arctic, posing sovereign challenges from both individuals and their nations. Something drastic had to be done. Legendary RCMP Inspector, Alfred Herbert Joy, joined by young recruit Reginald Andrew Taggart of Ireland, as well as the renowned Inughuit guide, Nuqaqpainguaq, embark on an 1,800-mile dogsled patrol to the outer fringes of the archipelago. As tensions rise and negotiations with Norway threaten to escalate, the three men face treacherous conditions and unexpected obstacles on a journey that takes on mythic proportions. In Arctic Patrol, Lieutenant Governor’ s Medal winner Eric Jamieson uncovers the fascinating history of Canada’ s fight to secure its Arctic territories in this thrilling tale of international politics, polar exploration, and human endurance.