A historical discovery
In 2011, ARF was founded. Its first project was to assist Parks Canada with a search it had started in 2008 for the lost ships of Franklin’s mission. ARF refurbished a fishing vessel, the R/V Martin Bergmann and made it available to the project’s archeologists. In 2014, crews located HMS Erebus, and two years later, the HMS Terror. Inuit traditional knowledge (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) was instrumental in the discovery of both wrecks with Gjoa Haven ranger, Sammy Kogvik, playing a vital role in the search. The findings electrified a world fascinated by the mystery and the story of its discovery.
Science & community programming
Since its inception, ARF has been about much more than the Franklin discoveries. The Foundation's board saw opportunities to generate broader public interest in Arctic issues, from poverty to climate change, as and to encourage more community development in the region. Since inception, ARF has made possible dozens of scientific missions and contributed to many cultural initiatives in the region.
ARF timeline
The idea for the Arctic Research Foundation is sparked after seeing foreign vessels searching for Franklin’s lost ships
The Arctic Research Foundation is started. ARF purchases the R/V Martin Bergmann to aid in the Parks Canada search for Franklin's lost ships
ARF in partnership with Parks Canada and local Inuit locate the wreck of the HMS Erebus
ARF in partnership with Parks Canada and local Inuit locate the wreck of the HMS Terror
Arctic Focus, ARF’s online storytelling initiative is started
ARF purchases the R/V William Kennedy in partnership with the University of Manitoba - the first research vessel dedicated to Hudson Bay
Naurvik, or the growing place in Inuktitut, is opened in Gjoa Haven, NU
ARF leases the R/V Nahidik II in partnership with the Government of Northwest Territories
ARF launches it’s online research database
ARF purchases and refits a new landing craft to aid in science expeditions
ARF adds two new vessels to it’s fleet - the ARF Silver Dolphin and the ARF Deline Duckworth
The R/V William Kennedy is decommissioned after countless Arctic expeditions