Wilderness Safety
& Rescue Training

Based in Inuvik and serving the Beaufort-Delta Region of the Northwest Territories in the Canadian Arctic, Chako Wilderness provides wilderness safety and rescue training. We aim to equip our students with the knowledge they need to thrive in the outdoors and navigate life safely with confidence.

Proud provider of Wilderness Medical Associates International courses.

Training Offered

To see currently scheduled public-access courses, check out my Facebook page.

Firearms Safety (Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Range Practice)

Wilderness First Aid (16 hour)
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (40 hour)
Wilderness First Responder (80 hour)

Wildlife, Bear, Predator Safety
Wildlife / Bear Monitor Training
Ice Safety for Field Workers
Boater Safety (Pleasure Craft Operator's Card)
Marine Radio License (ROC-M)
Land Navigation (Map, Compass, and GPS)
Field Communications
Aeronautical Radio Examinations (ROC-A)

Customized training available on request.
First Aid / Trauma Kit assessment and re-stocking services provided as well.
Available for consulting work on a limited basis.

About Me

I developed my love for the outdoors at an early age, spending time camping and hiking with my family and Scouts Canada. As a young adult I served two years in the Army’s Infantry Reserve, where I improved my marksmanship and developed an interest in firearm safety. After leaving the Reserves, I went back to school and earned an Associate of Arts in Global Stewardship from Capilano University, and then a diploma (with honours) in Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician from Sault College. After leaving school, I eagerly returned to the woods to become a professional wilderness guide, primarily leading backcountry canoe trips and dog-sled expeditions. Eventually, I moved to Manitoba and became an instructor for others wanting to learn to “play safely in the bush”, as a Wilderness Safety and Survival Instructor. Finally, I moved north to Inuvik, Northwest Territories where I currently live, to accept a position as the Visitor Safety and Fire Operations Coordinator for the Parks Canada Western Arctic Field Unit. In my spare time, I am currently a member of the Inuvik Volunteer Fire Department, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), and occasionally pick up shifts with the local ambulance service. When called upon, I assist with local Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR), and have previously volunteered with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA). When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me outside, hiking, canoeing and exploring, unless I’m at home, curled up with a good book about the outdoors.

Testimonials

“Trevor is a super knowledgeable instructor with considerable experience working in remote environments. He brings this experience to the course and to your scenarios, providing an excellent environment for students to put their new skills to the test. Remember to dress warmly!”
- Jeremy
(Fish & Wildlife Manager, Vuntut-Gwichin First Nation Government & Environment Canada)

"The greatest strength of this instructor is the diversity of both indoor and outdoor scenarios he was able to provide, including the feedback provided afterwards. From the feedback provided and responses to participant questions, it is clear that Trevor has an excellent knowledge of course material complemented by a wealth of experience in the field.... from the perspective of an educator I thought he was an excellent instructor."
- Stefan

"It was extremely helpful to have an instructor that is active in the field, has been in the field for a long time, and is very knowledgeable about the information but also is familiar with a variety of wilderness settings."
- Allison

"Trevor did a great job, I was very happy with how the 4 days went. He clearly shows an in depth knowledge related to wilderness first aid and rescue, which allowed him to provide real time feedback in scenarios and when participants had off hand questions throughout the class. I would enjoy taking another course delivered by Trevor."
- Mike

"Trevor is knowledgeable, organized and so patient. Really commend you for the patience Trevor, I would not have showed as much tact as you did with some of disruptive students. Trevor balanced classroom learning with field scenarios very well. Students felt safe to make mistakes and learn from them."
- Colin

"I thought you were a far far superior instructor than any other course I’ve taken…, so I strongly prefer that [the others] take it with you."
- Sarah Lord

Contact

info @ chakowilderness .comBox 3132
Inuvik, NT
X0E 0T0

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation
If you have to cancel a contract or registration, please let us know as soon as possible.

If contract or registration is cancelled 30 days or more prior to course start, a full refund will be provided less an administrative fee ($50 per registration, $250 plus any expenses already incurred per contract).
If contract or registration is cancelled less than 30 days but more than 14 prior to course start, a 50% refund will be provided plus an administrative fee ($50 per registration, $250 plus any expenses already incurred per contract).
If cancelled less than 14 days prior to course start, no refund will be provided.

Chako Wilderness will endeavour not to cancel a course unless absolutely necessary if it is within our control. If so, a course will be cancelled a minimum of 14 days in advance with a full refund provided.If Chako Wilderness is required to cancel a course due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., severe weather events, pandemic restrictions, etc.) a full credit will be provided for future use on Chako Wilderness courses.Chako Wilderness is not responsible for any expenses incurred by students or organizations in preparing for a course (e.g., travel expenses).

Payment
Payment can be made by cheque (see address on the Contact page) or credit card.
Details will be provided upon successful course registration. Only pay if you have received confirmation of course registration; yf you pay without registration and there is no available space on the course, your payment can be held as a credit or incur a $50 service fee to process the refund.

Your Personal Information & Privacy
It is necessary to collect and store a certain amount of personal information in order to facilitate courses and provide certification. By providing your personal information, you consent to the storage of this information for a period of time deemed appropriate by Chako Wilderness or as required by law. Your information will only be shared with another third-party company for specific purposes (e.g., certification, legal requirements). All other uses will require your full consent.

Your Image & Likeness
Course participants should be aware that Chako Wilderness reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any of its courses. These photos or film records may be used for course materials, promotional and/or other commercial purposes without remuneration to the course participants.

Your Safety & Risk
Although no previous experience is required to participate in our courses, however, like any activity, there is always an element of risk. We will do everything we can to manage that risk for safety, however some courses may push you outside your comfort zone and a key lesson from any rescue course is that your safety comes first, not somebody else's.
Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety, or as Mike Rowe says, "Safety Third!"Each participant is required to read and fill out a Liability Release and Indemnity Agreement ("waiver"). Participants will have a chance to read it before signing.If you have any medical condition or limitation (injury, illness, or disability) that may affect your or the class's safety, please let your instructor know. There is no pre-course fitness evaluation so if you have any concerns or doubt, please discuss them with your doctor to determine your suitability on the course beforehand. If you wish us to speak with your doctor and describe the course in more detail we will do so.

Private Training Requests
When you are interested in arranging training with Chako Wilderness, we will discuss the details for your course including: your needs, location options, student numbers, dates & times, equipment & resource needs, and travel & accommodations as necessary.Then we send you a detailed proposal for confirmation or further discussion as we strive to be flexible in order to meet the needs and process that will work well for you.Once the proposal is accepted by you, including dates, we will send you a final quote and begin preparing when the deposit is received.

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