Harry DeWolf class Northern Affiliation

In 2017, the Royal Canadian Navy decided to affiliate the new Harry DeWolf-class Arctic Offshore and Patrol Vessels with communities in the North.

The heart of Northern Affiliation is building connections and relationships between the people of a region and its associated ship. Working with youth groups, community members, and local leaders, Affiliation is meant to cultivate a deep relationship and instill a shared pride with the communities and the ship’s crew.

The six Inuit regions in the North that will be affiliated with the class include Nunavut’s three sub-regions, Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq, as well as Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit.

What are Northern Affiliations?

Northern Affiliations are centered on a shared understanding, exchange of ideas, relationship building and mutual respect between the Navy and communities in the North. Northern Affiliations create opportunities for learning through community events, initiatives and cultural interactions.

Ships’ Northern Affiliations with Inuit Nunangat

History of Northern Affiliations

The first interaction the Royal Canadian Navy had with the north of the north Atlantic region was during the Second World War and the Murmansk Run, a convoy route allowing the navy to sail into the Arctic Ocean to deliver supplies to the Soviet Union.

A total of 41 allied convoys sailed to the northern ports of Murmansk and Archangel.

In 1948 HMCS Magnificent and HMC Ships Haida, Nootka became the first ships to enter Canada’s Arctic.

In 1949, HMCS Cedarwood with HMCS Swansea sailed to the Western and Eastern Arctic. Swansea visited Frobisher Bay, Koojessin Inlet and Nuuk, Greenland to conduct scientific research and familiarisation with Arctic conditions. These deployments set the pattern for future Arctic deployments, specifically, familiarisation with Arctic conditions, scientific research, community relations and cooperation with Arctic allies.