Age: 40

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Profession: Primitive Skills Instructor

Hiking and hunting the hills and volcanoes of Central America gave Amós Rodriguez a foundation for his primitive skills life practice. Growing up in the context of the El Salvador Civil War increased his urban and wilderness survival and awareness skills.

During the post-war period, Amós assisted rural communities devastated by the violence. These experiences increased his humanism, his self-identification as a native of Central America and highlighted the need to be an advocate for strong sustainable communities.

In the fall of 2000, he received a scholarship to finish his higher education in the United States. This education, as well his travel experiences, allowed him to move deeper into his connection to place, ancestry and self. Spiritual journeys, such as the Sundance Ceremony of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, have reinforced the pillars in which his spiritual life and practice are based.

Amós views this as a huge opportunity both for his personal life and career. He hopes to come back a better human after spending time alone.

Here are the ten items Amós selected to bring on his survival journey to the Arctic:

1. Bow

2. Gill net

3. Fishing line and hooks

4. Multitool

5. Ax

6. Emergency ration

7. Ferro rod

8. Pot

9. Paracord

10. Sleeping bag