Who: Guardian Exploration Inc., represented by Graydon Kowal (President/CEO, Calgary, AB), is proposing the project. The company is an active mineral exploration firm focused on early-stage gold properties in Nunavut. What: The undertaking is a small-scale diamond drilling exploration program to evaluate gold mineralization on the Esker claims. Up to 8 drill pads (each ~15 m × 15 m) will test targets, with multiple holes per pad to minimize disturbance (total footprint ≤1,800 m²). Activities include helicopter-supported drilling using a closed-loop water recirculation system (max 50 m³/day freshwater withdrawal, no discharge), temporary sumps (~13.5 m³ each, max 3 active), and a small seasonal camp (12–15 personnel, max 18; 4 sleeping tents + support structures). All fuel (max 4,000 L diesel on-site) will be stored in secondary containment. No roads or permanent infrastructure will be built. Drill cuttings remain in backfilled sumps; full progressive reclamation will restore sites. Support includes a Spill Contingency Plan, Wildlife Mitigation Commitments (500 m caribou setback, Inuit monitor), Archaeological Chance Find Procedure, and biodegradable additives where practicable. Transport is entirely by helicopter. Why: The objective is to determine the presence and extent of subsurface gold mineralization identified through prior work programs. Diamond drilling is the only reliable method for this. The program advances responsible mineral exploration on Inuit Owned Lands while incorporating strong environmental protections and community consultation. Long-term implications include potential future economic benefits (jobs, royalties) if a viable deposit is found, alongside continued support for sustainable land use.WhereThe project is located in the South Henik Lake area, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, on Inuit Owned Land (KVL125B04) with portions of Crown land (AR27/AR29). Project extents span approximately 61°31'45N to 61°39'43N and 97°17'52W to 96°41'41W. Closest communities are Arviat (~200 km southeast) and Baker Lake. No protected areas overlap the immediate site; the area is used for traditional harvesting and limited tourism/outfitting (South Henik Lake Lodge). When: The 2026 field program is planned for August 1 to October 31, 2026 (drilling and camp operations), with demobilization by late October. This is a single-season program within a requested 5-year Type B Water Licence (May 2026–May 2031). Future phases would be subject to additional approvals.This summary provides an overview of the low-impact, seasonal exploration activities. Full details, including mitigations, water management, and consultation records, are available in the complete application package. Guardian Exploration Inc. welcomes questions from the public and continues engagement with Arviat HTO, KIA, and other stakeholders.