HMCS Max Bernays and the Kitikmeot Region: A Relationship Built on Trust, Respect and Friendship
Royal Canadian Navy Public Affairs – September 29, 2026
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From left: S1 Carr, S1 Bacon, Lt(N) Mottet and CPO1 Umbach of HMCS Max Bernays pose with local drummer Noah Kudlak following a drumming circle in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut's Kitikmeot Region.
As Canadians reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the connection between His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays and Nunavut's Kitikmeot Region offers an example of how meaningful relationships are built through listening, learning and shared experiences.
Since its affiliation with the Kitikmeot Region was formalized in Cambridge Bay in 2023, Max Bernays has worked to strengthen ties with communities across the North.
Established through the Royal Canadian Navy's Northern Affiliation Program, the initiative was designed to foster lasting connections between sailors and Northern communities.
“This affiliation has given them something very special: the opportunity to create unique, lifelong connections with people in the Kitikmeot Region, while learning about Inuit culture, history, traditions, and way of life,” said former Coxswain CPO1 Mike Umbach.
Alongside former Commanding Officer Commander (Cdr) Nadia Shields, CPO1 Umbach helped shape the affiliation during its formative years. Through community visits, cultural exchanges and ongoing engagement, they developed a deeper appreciation for the North, its history and its people.
While both have since moved on from HMCS Max Bernays, their connection to the Kitikmeot Region remains strong.
Symbols of Connection
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From left: MS Lang, Lt(N) Lachapelle, Cdr Shields, PO1 Krohn and CPO1 Umbach of HMCS Max Bernays pose with an "Omingmak" street sign during a visit to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. The sign, which bears the Inuktitut word for muskox, was later brought aboard the ship and remains on display today.
Today, the affiliation is reflected throughout Max Bernays.
From the Inuktitut names carried by its boats to artwork created by Kitikmeot students and the community flags displayed aboard, reminders of the relationship can be found across the ship.
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) flag also serves as the ship's ceremonial ensign and is flown during arrivals and departures in foreign ports, photo exercises and manoeuvres with other vessels.
For communities in the region, those symbols have become meaningful reminders of a growing connection.
"The sight of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association flag flying high on the vessel was very welcomed and appreciated," said James Kaylor of KIA.
Yet the most meaningful part of the affiliation cannot be found aboard the ship at all.
Learning Through Relationships
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CPO1 Mike Umbach participates in a community drumming session in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
For CPO1 Umbach, some of the most memorable experiences came from being welcomed into community traditions and cultural activities that offered a deeper understanding of the region and its people.
"One of my favourite memories was being invited to participate in a drumming ceremony,” he said.
“I was incredibly proud to be invited to take part in an event that is important to the Kitikmeot people – one that shares stories of ancestors, culture, society, and history."
For Cdr Shields, some of the most memorable moments came through those everyday interactions.
Time spent with Elders, youth and community members offered opportunities to learn about life in the North in ways that books and briefings never could.
"Whether it is improving my drum-dancing skills, playing Crazy Eights or boxing with the kids, or simply sitting with Elders, I come away with a deeper respect for the people of the North, the land, and the history," she said.
As the relationship grew, so too did the crew's understanding of the experiences, perspectives and challenges that continue to shape the region today.
Conversations about residential schools, climate change and life in Arctic communities reinforced the importance of listening and approaching the relationship with humility.
"I learned that I didn't know what I didn't know,” said Cdr Shields.
Learning firsthand about the similarities and differences in challenges, cultures, celebrations and experiences has been profound."
That spirit of listening has been matched by a shared commitment to respect.
A Shared Vision for the Future
While HMCS Max Bernays has yet to visit the Kitikmeot Region, the affiliation has continued to grow through crew visits, community engagement and ongoing communication.
From KIA's perspective, those interactions have consistently demonstrated a genuine respect for the region and its people.
"Even though the Max Bernays has not graced the waters of the Kitikmeot yet, all visits by crew and communications have shown this respect," said Taylor.
Beyond strengthening ties between the Navy and Northern communities, the affiliation has also created opportunities to share the Kitikmeot Region's culture, history and perspectives with a broader audience.
"Canadians would benefit from understanding the rich, unique culture of the Kitikmeot Region and the unparalleled beauty and diversity of the land that Kitikmeot Inuit have a connection to and a relationship with," Taylor explained.
Looking ahead, both the Navy and KIA share a common hope: that the relationship will continue to deepen through mutual respect, understanding and continued engagement.
For KIA, success will not be measured by a single visit or milestone, but by the strength of the connection that continues to grow between the ship and the communities it represents.
"A successful relationship will be when the vessel is not seen as a ship in the bay, but as a returning part of the communities and region," Taylor said.