Yellowknife, N.W.T. – Over 900 military personnel are in the High Arctic for an annual sovereignty exercise.

Operation Nanook 10 kicked off in Resolute, Nunavut this week, with members from the Canadian, American and Danish Forces making their way to the community of around 230 people.

Joint Task Force North’s chief of operations Lt.-Col. Gino Chretien said during the exercise, southern-based troops will have the opportunity to practice being deployed in the North.

“We’re not doing patrols and all the basic military stuff that we do down south,” said Chretien. “For us, deploying up north, it’s more to answer any domestic emergencies, security in the north; so they need to be familiar with what they will be facing for the weather, the ground, how to deal with the predators.”

Chretien added army, navy, air and Special Forces will also have the chance to practice oil spill mitigation and remediation with the Canadian Coast guard.

Nine Canadian naval ships, two Danish vessels and a U.S. Destroyer will also be patrolling the Northern waters, along with various air planes during the 20 day exercise, which wraps up Aug. 26.