FUTURE Special Issue on The Circumpolar International Internship Newsletter Arctic Leadership

March 2007

In this issue… Circumpolar Young Leaders ■ Profiles of Arctic Leaders, 3 ■ Reflections on and De-Briefing in Rovaniemi Canadian Sovereignty, 8 Noelle DePape, IISD Project Officer ■ Q & A’s with Arctic Women, 10 Home of Eurovision’s “Lordi” monster metal band, the Arktikum (Arctic Centre and Museum) and the University of Lapland, IPY Launch Rovaniemi was the perfect backdrop for the Circumpolar Young The (IPY) was officially Leader’s debriefing session; it offered ’s young northern lead- launched at the Palais de la Découverte, a ers a space to explore both Finnish and Saami culture and history, famous science museum in central Paris, France while providing a beautiful setting for critical reflection and sharing. on March 1st, 2007. Meanwhile, the official All four interns keenly participated in the de-brief session: opening of the Indigenous Peoples’ International Polar Year took place in • Alex Stubbing, our host based at the University of the Arctic; Kautokeino, Norway from February 14th to • Colleen Henry, working at the Indigenous Peoples Secretariat in 16th, 2007—attended by one of our own Denmark; Circumpolar Young Leaders, Colleen Henry! For more information on IPY projects and • Sean Doherty, coming to us from CICERO in Norway; and events happening around the world, please see • Heather Main, making her way from UNEP-GRID in Arendal, their Web site at www.ipy.org. Norway. To learn more about the activities of the IPY Generously housed for our training at the spectacular Arctic Centre, Youth Steering Committee, see page 11. the interns shared their experiences with one another, detailing their lessons learned from their five month overseas internships and shar- Ookpik – Call for ing professional and personal challenges and successes. Submissions What made this training particularly special was the chance to meet with local researchers, activists and community leaders in The Ookpik Website, a portal for northern Rovaniemi to learn about local Finnish and Saami issues related to youth, is calling on Arctic youth from all cir- cultural and environmental sustainability. cumpolar countries to submit creative works to continued on page 2 be posted on our Web site at www.ookpik.org. Tell us what it is really like to live in the Arctic. Share your images and impressions of the north. Explore our 2007 theme: “GET POLARIZED: Capturing the contrasts of the Arctic” through your own eyes. We have extended the deadline for entries to March 15th, 2007. Visit http://www.ookpik.org/creativity/get_ ookpiked.aspx to download your entry form or contact us by email at [email protected] or phone at 1-204-958-7700. Submissions are open to youth between 12–25 who live in or are from Arctic regions. Arctic Interns with Paulina Feodoroff at the Arktikum. De-Briefing in Rovaniemi Lapland, who shared his experiences stew and potatoes at Lordi’s continued from page 1 working with the Russian Saami Rockaurant. On the cultural front, one For example, after viewing a documen- and showed us his extensive artifacts of the highlights of our short stay in tary illustrating the effects of deforesta- collection. Lapland was the visit to the Arctic Circle, where Santa Claus (and some of tion on the Saami’s traditional liveli- As our Arctic interns return back to his 200,000 reindeer) reside. We also hood of reindeer herding, we engaged their home communities to work had the opportunity to try our luck at in an intimate dialogue with Paulina toward positive change, these opportu- reindeer herding—with the help of a Feodoroff from the Saami Council that nities for networking and exchanging guide who showed us how to gather was both insightful and eye-opening. ideas were invaluable. Many comparisons were made between the reindeer, saddle them up and took the struggles faced by indigenous peo- In addition to the professional oppor- us on a lovely journey through a ples in Canada and the Saami in tunities provided at the training, we snowy, enchanted forest to a Finnish Finland—both grappling with the also took some time to explore our sur- teepee where we warmed up with hot challenges of modernization, loss of rounding environment. On the culi- lingon berry juice, biscuits and a fire. nary front, we dove into local traditional culture and climate change. All in all, the de-briefing was a suc- delights—tasting local white fish and cess—connecting the interns to local We were also privileged to have presen- salmon, as well as feasting on reindeer tations from: peoples and customs and giving them the time, and •Elina Helander, from the space, to truly reflect on Arctic Research Office their internship experience. for Saami and Indigenous There is no doubt, that this People, who shared her will not be the last you hear research findings on the about the 2006-2007 traditional ecological Circumpolar Young knowledge of the Saami; Leaders—with active minds • Antti Aikio, a representa- and passionate spirits, they tive from the Saami have much to offer north- Parliament, who spoke to ern Canada and the cir- us about the Saami cumpolar world. Sustainable Development Check out Sights and Sounds Strategy; below for more highlights of • Leif Rantala, Professor at the CYL de-breifing. the University of Interns on a sleigh ride. Hands-on learning about the reindeer in Lapland.

SITES AND SOUNDS

Arktikum (The Arctic Centre) cultural venue with impressive meeting stopped for and congress facilities and a spectacular a delicious Located on the architectural sight. It hosts a number of dinner one outskirts of the researcher’s focused on doing research evening after town of about Arctic issues. their de- Rovaniemi, briefing), http://www.arktikum.fi/ the Arktikum but the main provides locals square in and visitors Lordi – Monster Rock! town has alike with been named unique insight Lordi is a “Legend” in Rovaniemi! This metal band, who is never seen without after the into the way group (Lordi of life, culture their monster costumes, is the winner of the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest Square) and and history of the mayor of the north. The with their hit “Hard Rock Hallelujah.” Mr. Lordi, the lead singer, is originally Rovaniemi Arktikum gave Lordi a serves as a from Rovaniemi and his stardom in Lordi as featured at Lordi The ceiling of Arktikum. the town incredible. Not only does key to the Rocktaurant in Rovaniemi. museum, sci- city as a trib- ence centre Rovaniemi sport a Lordi Rocktaurant (where the Circumpolar Young Leaders ute to their and popular success. 2 ARCTIC LEADERS PROFILES

A few months ago, our Circumpolar Young Leaders (CYL) were asked to write an article about a leader in the Arctic. They interviewed leaders working in communities, Arctic organizations and the media. This special section showcases excerpts from their articles.

Perspectives of a Saami Leader on Culture, Language, and Climate Change An interview with Gunn-Britt Retter, Head of the Arctic and Environmental Unit of the Saami Council Sean Doherty, CYL intern

suggests, the region is not only a place holistic perspective when it comes to to be conquered or examined, but is the issues that she is involved with. Gunn-Britt Retter, also the home of Saami and many Environmental issues are “can’t be seen Head of the Arctic and Environmental Unit of other peoples who must be recognized as separate, it’s about our life, and the Saami Council when research is conducted. closely linked to our traditional knowl- edge and our health and well-being.” As soon as I meet her, and during the For example, the Saami language holds planning of the interview, I can tell much of the knowledge of about that Gunn-Britt is a really nice person. nature, so preserving the Saami lan- She is completely friendly and unpre- guage is not just a language and cul- tentious, while remaining direct and I am sitting in conference room in a tural issue, but also an issue of the focused in the goals of her work, as nice hotel in Tromsø, at the tail end of environment and well-being. one must be to be a leader in the the town’s Tromsø International Film Preserving both the language and the Arctic. We begin to chat and I quickly Festival, talking to Gunn-Britt Retter, environment are integral to the Saami realize that some of my questions, acting head of Arctic and Environment culture and way of life. Logging on while great on paper, are not the most unit of the Saami Council, who is sit- Saami lands outside of the northern fun to have to answer. They demand ting across from me. I am lucky to Finland community of Inari, for exam- dividing up issues and subjects into have the opportunity for a face to face ple, is both an issue of industry and discrete sections, which is not the way interview, as I had wanted to interview environment, but it is also a human that Gunn-Britt sees the issues. For Gunn-Britt as an Arctic leader, but rights issue—being able to control and example, Gunn-Britt has a strong given that I live in Oslo and Gunn- preserve your land. In the end, Gunn- background in education, cultural Britt lives in the far north of Norway, I Britt says, these issues boil down to identity, and language. She has taught was worried that a face to face inter- issues of indigenous peoples’ rights. view would be impossible. As a matter children in both Saami and of chance, Gunn-Britt and I are both Norwegian, been an advisor for lan- The focus of the Environmental and in Tromsø today, although for very dif- guage courses and projects, and has Arctic unit of the Saami Council, ferent reasons. I am here to experience earned several degrees, a Bachelor’s in which Gunn-Britt is head of, is to fol- a part of Norway’s Arctic, see snow education theory for primary school low the work of the . again(!), and catch a weekend of the teachers, a Master of arts in bilingual The unit tries to bring an indigenous film festival, while Gunn-Britt, who is studies from Trinity College in Wales and Saami focus to the Arctic Council no stranger to northern Norway, is in in 2001 and more education in multi- agenda. Currently, Gunn-Britt is town for the Arctic Frontiers confer- cultural pedagogy. So, when I asked involved in a wide range of projects ence. At the conference, she will be her how she made the transition from such as the Arctic Climate Impact representing the Saami Council and a strong focus on language issues and Assessment, the Arctic Human part of her role will be to remind education to working with the Development Report, and the ongoing researchers that despite what the name Environment and Arctic, Gunn-Britt Arctic Social Indicators project. is quick to point out that she holds a of the conference, “Arctic Frontiers,” continued on page 7 3 ARCTIC LEADERS PROFILES

Cooperation in the new face of Arctic research updated on the results of her research. Living in Clyde River allows Shari to Heather Main, CYL intern choose the most effective ways of com- municating to Arctic residents—through River, a community of meetings and local radio and the less than 1,000 people Internet, which Shari observes is becom- on the eastern coast of ing increasingly accessible and popular . It is here since the introduction of broadband that she documents Internet service in . A bulletin knowledge of board in the local Hunters and Trappers environmental change Organization building also keeps people and links this knowl- updated on the results of moni- edge with science as a toring around Clyde River, which occurs researcher for the as part of a knowledge exchange project University of Colorado. Shari is leading that connects local peo- ples and researchers between Alaska, Living in the communi- Nunavut, and . It’s called The ty is an ideal way for dynamics of human-sea ice relationships: Shari to incorporate Comparing changing environments in local knowledge into Alaska, Nunavut and Greenland, and it is her research projects. funded by the National Science The translator, hunters Foundation. The results of Shari’s Ph.D. and Elders she works research on Inuit knowledge of environ- with have truly become mental change, which she conducted in partners in her Baker Lake, Nunavut as well as Clyde research—they have River, were published in an educational even been co-authors interactive CD-ROM (When the weather on her published is Uggianaqtuq: Inuit observations of papers. As Shari puts it, environmental change), which was pro- Shari Gearheard (right) is part of the hopefully growing group of researchers “[the hunters and duced by the National Snow and Ice who make a permanent connection with the people of the Arctic. Elders that I work with] Data Center (U.S.) and distributed to all know what I’m doing “Why are you asking me again? What schools in Nunavut by Nunavut and what I’m trying to get at, so they Tunngavik Inc.—an organization which do you DO with this information any- often come up with ideas.” way?” This is what people in the Arctic represents the Inuit under the Nunavut may begin to wonder as more and A good example occurred when Shari Land Claims Agreement. more researchers from the south arrive presented her Igliniit project—a proposal Shari has a vision—that in the future, in their communities. submitted to the Canadian IPY funding funding for Arctic research will run call—to the Hamlet Council of Clyde more through local communities, with With the launch of the International River. The project as Shari presented it Polar Year (IPY) in March 2007, Inuit in Nunavut and local people in all involves mounting mobile weather sta- Arctic countries taking more control research in the Arctic is booming. tion/GPS units onto snow-machines as a Since communication between over research. Shari believes that the key way of monitoring environmental to sustaining the present interest in researchers is sometimes lacking, there change. The Hamlet Council was keen, is the potential for burn-out of local Arctic research is to build research and quickly came up with some other capacity at the local level, which is why knowledge-holders as they are asked to applications for this technology, includ- repeat the same information over and she is working to set up a heritage/ ing using it for search and rescue opera- research centre in Clyde River. over again. In many cases, researchers tions and land-use documentation. fail to communicate their findings Collaborations like this ensure that Of course, living in the north is not all back to local communities. Arctic research is useful not only to the about advancing Arctic research for Shari Gearheard is part of the hopefully research community, but also to the peo- Shari. In her own words, she simply growing group of researchers who make a ple who live in the Arctic. “fell in love with Clyde.” With a grow- permanent connection with the people of ing dog team, a cabin and an increas- Consulting the community on ideas for ing knowledge of (“heavy on the Arctic. Originally from Windsor, projects is only the first step. Shari also , Shari has conducted research in the weather vocabulary”), Shari appears works to keep both Clyde River resi- to have settled in nicely—and let’s Nunavut for twelve years. Two years ago dents and the wider Arctic community she moved with her husband to Clyde hope she sticks around. 4 ARCTIC LEADERS PROFILES Ashley Dean, a modern Inuk leader in the midst of traditional education Alex Stubbing, CYL intern

Sustainable leaders in the circumpolar numbers regarding our world naturally create an atmosphere in changing world, all of which culture is protected, and subse- which seem to be cost- quently preserved. ing us our cultures, his- tories, languages and Ashley Dean, of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, customs. However, we has proven herself time and again as a rarely hear of what versatile and effective leader. In recent actions are being taken years she has been selected as one of the to preserve and advance National Aboriginal Health the elements that make Organization’s Role Models for 2006; up a cultural identity, crowned as Miss Nunavut in 2005 for despite indigenous Canada; and was a recipient groups becoming more of the Prince of Wales’ Scholarship for adapted to western cul- volunteerism. She has used this recogni- ture. tion to raise the awareness of northern Ashley Dean out on the frozen tundra. issues whenever possible. Talking to The Nunavut Teachers Ashley, it is evident that she in passionate Education Program History has shown that the loss of lan- about Nunavut. She discusses the culture (NTEP) is an excellent example of pre- guage is a signal of a diminishing cul- of the territory with an ardent tone. She serving Inuit culture and language. ture. Getting NTEP-trained teachers expresses the need for positive action. Ashley is in her third year of NTEP stud- into the Nunavut school systems is a ies in . NTEP is a partnership with “I don’t just sit and watch, I have had further step in creating an environ- McGill University, and offers campus plenty of time to talk about issues in ment where Inuktitut is predominant and community-based programs that the north, and not just negative in the daily life of both Inuit and non- prepare Inuit for a career in teaching. issues,” she proclaims. Inuit students. Ashley is convinced Ashley thinks NTEP is a way of preserv- that, “Inuktitut-speaking teachers are Ashley attended the Nunavut ing culture and language; it is an innova- really important. Inuktitut-speaking Sivuniksavut (NS) Training Program tive way to incorporate traditional knowl- students can benefit without any lan- in Ottawa, a college where Inuit stu- edge into a modern educational system. guage issues,” she says. “It is a rein- dents explore topics such as Inuit Land “They really focus on Inuit traditional forcement for students with little Claims; she found the curriculum very knowledge in all years of the program, knowledge of Inuktitut who should be useful and positive. no matter what course,” she says. surrounded by the language as much “I wanted to know all the facts about as possible.” There is also ample field experience northern history, I always learned bits available. Ashley has completed In order for Inuktitut to survive with and pieces, but after NS they all tied practicums in Pond Inlet, Iqaluit and the influx of new cultures and atti- in,” she explains. Rankin Inlet, participating in class- tudes coming to Nunavut, Inuktitut Ashley has twice traveled to Germany, rooms ranging from kindergarten to will have to become present in the once for an anti-racism conference and grade nine. school system to a greater extent. again to promote sealskin products. Ashley has a very encouraging outlook. Ashley and her classmates are an She also participated in a cross-cultural incredible resource to Nunavut and “In various smaller communities a lot indigenous group trip with her NS Inuit people. Ashley aspires to become of the elementary teachers are now class to Costa Rica. Following NS she a high school teacher within the area Inuit. I am hopeful for the language. went on to complete a hairdressing of northern studies. She wants to give I see a good future,” she says. program in Ottawa, and then ended more options to students who are close up starting her own hairdressing studio Ashley thinks that if the people of to graduating, and ensure that they in Rankin Inlet. Nunavut continue to work at it, we also have the opportunity to learn will definitely see results. Sustainability has a multitude of interpre- trades, such as hairdressing. She would tations. Most have correlations with cli- also like to see “a structured Inuktitut “I see it with my peers, I am proud of mate change, the environment or system [of language instruction] in the my classmates; the quality of work and wildlife. The public is constantly inun- high school[s] for beginners, individu- devotion they put into their education,” dated with information, statistics and als and advanced speakers.” she says, adding, “it gives me hope.”

5 ARCTIC LEADERS PROFILES

How Saami Radio became a tool of cultural preservation Colleen Henry, CYL intern

the Saami language. The Norwegian gov- cast after WWII, the Saami language ernment initially promoted it as a means would not be at all” he adds. of broadcasting an assimilation message. Today’s Scandinavia has a completely dif- However, the Saami radio journalists ferent attitude. Radio and television soon began broadcasting other informa- broadcasts are produced in three perma- tion—such as news and information— nent languages, North Saami, Lule Saami and it evolved into a Nils Johan and South Saami. Heatta, means of culture and Saami radio “I’m quite sure if there hadn’t This breadth allows language promotion leader been a Saami radio broadcast Saami Radio to instead. after WWII, the Saami language convey information Reflecting back on would not be at all” on climate change, those early broadcasts – Nils Johan Heatta language, culture As an intern working in communications Heatta talks about the and other issues of at the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat in reaction of the Saami importance not Copenhagen, I decided to profile a leader people. “When the radio presented only to all Saami people but a worldwide in communications—the director of cultural activities and news it built up audience. And these efforts are paying Saami Radio Nils Johan Heatta. To a new Saami society. From mid 1950s off. More non-Saami speaking viewers begin, the Saami make up about 40,000 when assimilation politics started to are tuning into subtitled Saami news people in Norway. Saami radio started weaken, the radio was used more and broadcasts regularly for quality program- after the Second World War when the more to promote Saami culture and ming from a unique, indigenous perspec- Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation language,” he says. “I’m quite sure if tive. (NRK) began broadcasting programs in there hadn’t been a Saami radio broad- continued on page 7

History of the development of Saami radio

According to archeological evi- programs in Saami to encourage dence, the Saami people are the Saami-speakers to assimilate. oldest known inhabitants of north- Until then, communications ern Europe, having lived across between Saami relied solely on trav- Norway, , Finland and the eling messengers. Of course, NRK Kola Peninsula of Russia anywhere used Saami themselves to commu- from between 2,5000 and 10,000 nicate assimilation messages, and years. Their traditional lifestyle of these first Saami journalists quite cattle-raising, trapping, fishing and naturally began broadcasting other reindeer herding was maintained news and issues of importance to until the 19th and early 20th cen- Saami people beyond what the turies, when the Norwegian govern- Norwegian authorities intended, ment began implementing assimila- sparking another use for radio, and tion policies such as insisting that a broader use for the Saami lan- land-use transactions be conducted guage itself. in Norwegian. Map of Lapland. Ironically, what began as a great After WWII, there was an even effort for cultural assimilation stronger assimilation push across turned into a significant movement Scandinavia through NRK. The for the revitalization of Saami lan- radio station began broadcasting guage and culture.

6 ARCTIC LEADERS PROFILES

Saami Radio allow journalists to completely submerse the northern region to direct, inspire continued from page 6 themselves in the culture of other indige- and enlighten world governments and nous partners. But before such a pro- their citizens. The continuing progress Radio broadcasting has also been very gram will succeed, Saami Radio must and influence of Saami Radio in the successful. There is a guaranteed broad- first concentrate on producing more regional, national and international cast of six hours each day Monday documentaries and programs. And to do forum—despite early national pres- through Friday and an hour for each this, they must first recruit more journal- sures for Saami assimilation—is indeed weekend day on the national network ists. Saami College in Kautokeino offers an inspiring story. Content includes news, entertainment an extensive journalism program. There and service, cultural and youth programs. Continued progress on relationships- is also a special program in Lillehammer building with other indigenous peo- Modern technology has opened a whole for technicians. Of some relief to ples will only serve to strengthen and new medium to further expand Saami recruiters, are the common Saami lan- amplify these unified voices. For these Radio’s success. A new Web site is in the guages across the Scandinavian coun- reasons Saami Radio itself is an impor- works. As well, through Internet tech- tries, which make it easier for journalists tant Arctic leader. May they continue nology, Saami Radio has joined other and their broadcasts to travel from coun- their work, and be heard as new indigenous peoples’ media corpora- try to country. northern challenges unfold. tions—including “Kalaallit Nunaata In this important era when climate Radioa” (Greenland), “Mauri Television” Nils Johan Heatta is a Director of Saami change affects the northern regions and (New Zealand) and “Aboriginal Peoples Radio and has been active in promoting brings forth new possibilities such as a Television Network” (Canada)—in an inter-Scandinavian Saami broadcasting freely open northern passage route, off- international endeavor to bring indige- collaboration. In 2000 he initiated a proj- shore Arctic oil and gas development nous peoples history, culture, language ect to assist the Russian Saamis in restart- and severely unpredictable weather phe- and issues of importance to light. ing Sam Radio Broadcasts in the Kola nomena, it is necessary to have the Peninsula. A thousand thanks to Mr. There is much work to do. Future plans opinions, observances and traditional Heatta for his time. include creating an exchange program to knowledge of the original inhabitants of

Perspectives of a Saami Leader an adult she has been able to study the environment need to be conduct- continued from page 3 and teach entirely through the Saami ed, and the Saami need to integrate language. There is now a language act, with their own Saami TEK. Research These projects address the lack of sta- which allows a person the right to deal in Norway, and research in general, tistics on the Saami, which in turn with municipal issues often neglects those people who have enhances policy-mak- in either Norwegian been living and still live in the area of ing and impact, and “When Gunn-Britt’s mother or Saami, and Saami study, even though it is these people increases the Saami’s went to school in the 1940s, is an official language who possess much knowledge and will own understanding of she was not allowed to speak of Norway. Gunn- be affected by changes that take place, themselves as a people. the Saami language.” Britt strongly including their ability to return to Gunn-Britt is working emphasizes the their lands. on a lot of indicator importance of not trying to conserve work herself, including the So, after doing all of these things, or preserve language or culture, Convention on Biological Diversity. what other endeavours might the because it doesn’t belong behind glass future hold for Gunn-Britt? She has a We move on to chat about language in a museum, but that it remain wide range of possibilities, which I cer- issues, as I have many questions about dynamic-con- tainly believe. Working on the the Saami language and Gunn-Britt stantly chang- “There is now a language act, international arena is a possi- has much insight on in this area. ing and grow- which allows a person the bility, such as within the UN ing. When Gunn-Britt’s mother went to right to deal with municipal on indigenous issues. At the school in the 1940s, she was not But climate issues in either Norwegian or same time, she could see her- allowed to speak the Saami language. change and Saami and Saami is an official self working on a local scale, There was an idea that speaking Saami environmental language of Norway.” perhaps being a mayor in her was a negative thing, as though it hin- issues, on the home municipality in north- dered learning Norwegian. Luckily, other hand, are ern Norway. Whatever Gunn- the situation with the Saami language very pressing. “Indigenous economies Britt decides to do, she sees her work has been improving since the late are at stake, and this is just one of having a strong focus on the Arctic, 1960s. Things were much better when many stressors—our economies are and, I’m sure, it will be very meaning- Gunn-Britt was in school, and now as already vulnerable.” More studies of ful.

7 REFLECTIONS Reflections on Arctic climate change and Canadian sovereignty S. Jeff Birchall

Perhaps the most compelling reason to need consideration; from environmen- navigation is becoming increasingly study Arctic climate change and tal risk to policing and surveillance. erratic thanks to the shallow channels of Canadian sovereignty is because contro- the NWP and the free flow of sea ice. The third controversial question is versy exists. My interest in Arctic climate whether Canada will lose sovereign con- It is important, however, for Canada to change began in the late 1990s, while trol over the waters of the Archipelago, retain control over the waters of the studying physical geography at McMaster particularly the Archipelago into the future because if and University. Since then I have completed (NWP). Currently, some who desire inter- when shipping does increase, the Arctic more studies and gained new experiences, national strait status for the NWP oppose will need a steward with a vested interest and as a result have become more aware Canada’s claim because—as an interna- in its well-being. Canada understands that of the interconnectedness of Arctic cli- tional seaway—they would have greater the Arctic is a zone of unique ecology, mate change and Canadian sovereignty. access to the Passage and greater say over where its species’ are adapted to a narrow Climate change is not a new phenome- its governance. This opposition, which is range of environmental tolerance. non, nor is Arctic warming. The influ- particularly strong from the U.S., will Knowing that shipping will threaten the ence that Arctic warming has on politics, increase as the passage becomes further balance of the Arctic’s ecosystem, Canada- however, is new. Communities are told ice-reduced towards mid-century. as-steward should minimize the imbalance that warming is a result of increased green and protect the Arctic’s ecology. These questions affect a myriad of differ- house gas emissions, particularly the ent players from the local Inuit communi- [email protected] increase of CO output, and is anthro- 2 ty, to the Canadian government, to the pocentric in origin; states and non-gov- international community. This is a subject ernmental organizations fashion protocols that will increase in local and international and acts to lower CO emissions, hoping 2 importance as the Arctic continues to to stave off the effects of warming. warm, or at least until a consensus But really, what causes Arctic warming? emerges on the future of Arctic marine Is it anthropocentric or the result of transportation. natural variability? Either way, the next Ultimately, in the near-term, Canada’s controversial question is: will the claim to the NWP will not be thwarted waters of the Canadian Arctic because of an increase in international Archipelago see an increase in interna- commercial shipping. Warming may be tional commercial shipping as a result reducing the oceanic and Archipelagic of the warming and subsequent reces- ice cover, but increased shipping via the sion of ice? If shipping were to NWP won’t necessarily be the result— increase, a plethora of impacts would Jeff Birchall joined the Climate Change and Arctic in the Archipelago, so long as it retains and Region Conservation Sovereignty: Quick Points a strong voice in determining the stan- Authority (TRCA) during the dards and policing regulations to gov- summer of 2006, after a term with • improved navigation via the channels ern ship operations. the Ontario Ministry of the of the Archipelago will not occur Environment. At the TRCA Jeff is until its ice is dramatically reduced, • though Canadian sovereignty over the eliminating choke points and signifi- NWP is not currently in danger, it is active on climate change, serving as cantly reducing the presence of erratic not legally clear what would consti- Technical Expert on the Climate bergs; tute enough international interest to Change Special Project. threaten Canada’s sovereignty in the • given the current hazard associated with Arctic; Jeff has a Bachelor’s degrees in phys- the NWP, it’s doubtful that a sound ical geography from McMaster shipper will choose unknown danger— • thanks to the polar winter, temperatures University, and environmental sci- and potential delays—over the ordered in the Archipelago, following the end of ence from the University of and predictable conditions of, say, the the summer month period in October, Northern , and a Panama Canal; return to freezing. Notwithstanding current temperature fluctuations, this Master’s degree in Arctic climate •for its part the Canadian government trend is not likely to change in the near change science and Canadian sover- does not condemn increased shipping term (next 50 years). eignty from York University.

8 REFLECTIONS Making science relevant to Arctic communities Methodologies for stakeholder involvement in community studies Sean Doherty, CYL intern

The upcoming International Polar Year knowledge and observations of climate used to direct scientific investigations will be an exciting time for research in change in Inuit communities. towards observed changes, even though the Arctic. However, it is important that science and local knowledge may investi- So Arctic research is increasingly this research has a tangible benefit to the gate a similar topic, but frame it in very involving local stakeholders in the residents of the Arctic. Fortunately, different ways. Finally, by incorporating process, but how is this important? research over the last five to ten years local knowledge into scientific research, This is important because science can has had an increasing focus on the needs scientists’ foci are often directed towards easily become affected by the priorities of stakeholders—people who stand to aspects of study that are important to the of those involved in the project. be impacted by changes in the area community. Science in the Arctic must be ground- being studied—and their potential role ed in the needs of local communities, To learn more about Sean’s analysis of in contributing to the design of the rather than centred entirely around stakeholder participation and interview research process. Many studies include researchers’ priorities. The needs of techniques, see www.ookpik.org stakeholders in the planning process, as local communities, well as incorporate their especially in observations and knowledge “Science in the Arctic responding to cli- into research findings to gain must be grounded in the mate change, must a better understanding of needs of local communi- be kept in mind location-specific climate ties, rather than centred when deciding change and its impacts. entirely around which subjects to Stakeholder observations can researchers’ priorities.“ study. So an impor- be used to suggest aspects of tant question to climate change to further ana- consider is: How lyze, ensuring that studies can we make research more responsible focus on impacts that are of relevance to to the peoples of the north? It would residents. Some of these studies also seem that a more democratic science examine historical responses to environ- that incorporates the values and experi- mental changes, providing a context ences of both researchers and multiple from which to arrive at a baseline Sean Doherty is an intern in the stakeholders in the Arctic will add to the understanding of adaptive capacities IISD Circumpolar Young Leaders completeness of science on the Arctic. within communities. Program, 2006-7. In addition to conducting scientific A climate change study often involves For his placement, he is working research more democratically through community-wide workshops to collec- as a Research Assistant at the stakeholder consultation, scientific tively identify observations of impor- Center for International Climate research on climate and environmental tance, determine the consequences of and Environmental Research-Oslo change can be enhanced by the knowl- these changes and determine adapta- (CICERO) in Norway. edge of locals who have a close rela- tions that can be made at the individual, tionship with the environment. Sean has a background in biologi- household, and community levels. Whether we call this knowledge tradi- cal sciences and health, and Studies may also conduct individual tional ecological, user, indigenous or earned his Bachelor’s degree in interviews in a semi-structured format to local knowledge—it is a legitimate and bio-medical sciences from the collect observations of climate change. As dynamic form of knowledge that has University of Guelph. local understandings and observations of developed through systemic observation climate change can be tightly linked to Most recently, Sean has been con- and interaction with the local environ- one’s local ecological knowledge, there is ducting a meta-analysis of Arctic ment over a long period of time. Local much overlap, making demarcation climate change research. This arti- knowledge can be extremely valuable in between bodies of research on local cle explores his findings. providing a long-term and richly detailed knowledge and climate change research understanding of a locality and its histo- in the Arctic difficult. More than any- ry—particularly because such observa- where else, the Canadian Arctic has been tions are often lacking in the scientific the source of studies recording local record. As well, local knowledge can be

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Outi Snellman – The face behind the “University of the Arctic” An interview with Outi Snellman Interviewed by Noelle DePape, IISD Project Officer

On my first evening in Rovaniemi, I had polar nations in the area of higher edu- between northern institutions that was the opportunity to meet Outi Snellman, cation. A concept paper was then put supported by the Arctic Council. the Director of Administration and together and the U. Arctic concept was We often say that “we ate our mother,” University Relations at the University of further developed. since when the U. Arctic was estab- the Arctic (U. Arctic). Before treating us At this time, I was the Secretary lished, the Circumpolar University to a traditional Finnish dinner, Outi General for the Circumpolar Association got assimilated into U. and I took a few minutes to sit down to University Association. I was asked by Arctic and now no longer exists. talk about how she got involved in U. the governments of Finland and Arctic, and some of their up and coming Q3: What projects is U. Arctic cur- Canada to do a feasibility study for the initiatives. rently taking on? U. Arctic and in 1998, we put forward a proposal to the Arctic Council, at a Well, one important project is the Q1: What is your background Outi? Canadian Ministerial meeting, to planning of a rector’s meeting where What lead you towards working on establish the U. Arctic. As Canada was the heads of all our member institu- Arctic issues? chair at this time, the creation of U. tions can come together around the Arctic was one of the deliverables to table to dialogue about higher educa- My background is in English literature. the Arctic Council. tion and I studied at the University of Helsinki. Arctic Actually, I know more about The U. Arctic was then “There is a lot of capacity in the issues. At Shakespeare then I know about Arctic launched in 2001, at the north and northerner’s need to have this meet- science! After completing my second same time as the 10th a stronger say in how research is ing, some Masters at the University of Nevada, anniversary of the done in the Arctic.” very impor- my first job when I got back was work- Rovaniemi Process, one – Outi Snellman tant philo- ing for the Fulbright Commission. I of the foundational sophical got really interested in the study- meetings for the Arctic questions abroad programs. I then worked as the Council. The University of the Arctic will be look at, like what role and stake Director of the International Relations was not so much a project of the Arctic northern institutions have in the Department at the University of Council, but rather a project around International Polar Year (IPY). Lapland, working on student mobility higher education and collaboration and student exchange programs. This dialogue is something that is very important to U. Arctic. We would real- I then realized how valuable it would ly like to see northern institutions and be, if rather then simply building rela- researchers have more say in defining tionships with southern institutions, the Arctic research agenda. We want to U. Lapland could collaborate with demonstrate that the knowledge on the other northern universities like Alaska Arctic, lies in the north. There is a lot University, etc. This is where my of capacity in the north and northern- involvement in Arctic issues really er’s need to have a stronger say in how began. research is done in the Arctic. Q2: Where did the idea for the Check www.ookpik.org to find out what University of the Arctic come from? U. Arctic is doing for the International How did you end up working at U. Polar Year, and Outi’s vision for the cir- Arctic? cumpolar world In 1997, there was an Arctic For more information on the programs of Monitoring and Assessment Program the University of the Arctic please check (AMAP) meeting in, Kautokeino, out their Web site at http://www. Norway—it was here that people uarctic.org dreamt up the idea for U. Arctic. There was a desire, coming from the Outi Snellman is a strong advocate for creating a Arctic Council’s working groups, to north that is full of opportunities for young people. increase cooperation between circum- 10 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Interview with Amber Church—Co-Chair of IPY International Youth Steering Committee Interviewed by Noelle DePape, IISD Project Officer

Amber was the youngest participant at play. Plus, for those lucky few who things; and the Young Researchers the Second International Conference on win at the national level, they will get Conference, a science/social science Arctic Research Planning (ICARP II) in to come to our international confer- conference for young researchers to Denmark, one of the official youth dele- ence where they will get to present present their work with a very interdis- gates for COP11, the UN Climate their work. ciplinary approach. Change Meetings, not to mention a We will also be hosting an internation- Q2: What do you think are the mentor for youth taking part in the al youth conference to be taking place main issues that Arctic youth face Students on Ice Expedition in in late April or early May in Europe. It around the globe? Antarctica. I was lucky enough to catch includes three components: the Youth Amber in late February for a chat, 1. Climate change is the top issue facing Round Tables on the Poles, where they before she headed off to the IPY launch the entire planet, but the Arctic is see- can interact with politicians and Arctic in Paris. Quite the impressive slate of ing the effects much sooner and more leaders; the Polar Fair, an interactive accomplishments for a masters student rapidly than other places. room of exhibits where different polar from Whitehorse! organizations and NGO’s will display 2. The effects on traditional culture and their work and where youth can learn languages that many communities are Q1: Wow, the IPY launch is just about the facing. Many young around the corner you must be get- poles “Climate change is the top issue facing people are not even ting excited… What are you work- through art, the entire planet, but the Arctic is learning their traditional ing on right now with the IPY drama and seeing the effects much sooner and languages. Western cul- Youth Steering Committee? photography more rapidly than other places.” ture has invaded the exhibits, north so much that the Very excited. I will be at the interna- – Amber Church among other tional launch for IPY in Paris on continued on page 12 March 1st. … For the launch, we have youth from all over the world writing letters to elect- ed officials to voice their concerns about challenges facing the polar regions and to talk about what they are doing to make a difference. There is also something going on called the “Polar Contest”—which was spear- headed by our New Zealand national group. Young researchers in a number of different countries are writing one-page information sheets about the work they are doing, designed for teachers. Then the teachers are taking these materials to help them teach units on different polar issues. Students are then asked to do projects about the issue that most inter- ests them which can be in the form of photos, videos, essays or science proj- ects. The best projects are then chosen and entered into regional contests and win- Amber founded the International Polar Year International Youth Steering Committee. Drop by drop, Amber is ners are then hosted at national science building a stronger north. museums and projects are put on dis- 11 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Arctic Future is published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and funded by the Circumpolar Liaison Directorate of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Endorsed by the Arctic Council, the Circumpolar Young Leaders Internship Program is funded by the Aboriginal and Circumpolar Affairs Division of Foreign Affairs Canada. Co-Editors: Michelle French & Noelle DePape Graphic Design: Don Berg Contributors: Sean Doherty, Colleen Henry, Heather Main, Alex Stubbing, Jeff Birchall & Noelle DePape Manager, Publishing and Communications: Stu Slayen The views expressed in the Arctic Future Newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of IISD or its fun- ders. The International Institute for Sustainable Development contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on interna- tional trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and assessment, and natural resources management. Through the Internet, we report on international negotiations and share knowl- edge gained through collaborative projects with global partners, resulting in more rigorous research, capacity building in developing countries and better Amber Church in Antartica with the Students on Ice expedition. dialogue between North and South. IISD’s vision is better living for all—sustainably; its mission is to champion innovation, enabling soci- Interview with Amber Church eties to live sustainably. IISD is registered as a char- the venue to be able to do this—they itable organization in Canada and has 501(c)(3) sta- continued from page 11 don’t know where to start. But I want tus in the United States. IISD receives core operating support from the Government of Canada, provided traditional cultures are being pushed to say that there are opportunities out through the Canadian International Development out. It has been motivating working there for them—through the Agency (CIDA), the International Development Circumpolar Young Leaders Program, Research Centre (IDRC) and Environment Canada; and with young indigenous leaders who from the Province of . The Institute receives are trying to address these issues. the IPY Youth Steering Committee project funding from numerous governments inside and the Arctic Youth Network to and outside Canada, agencies, foun- 3. Health—because of the substance name a few. dations and the private sector. abuse, suicide issues, domestic vio- E-mail: [email protected] lence. Northern communities are Q4: What is your dream for youth Web site: http://www.iisd.org still really struggling to deal with in the Arctic? 161 Portage Avenue East 6th Floor these issues. I was working in My dream for youth in the Arctic is Winnipeg, Manitoba Watson Lake for a while. It was that they get the same opportunities Canada R3B 0Y4 really frustrating to see kids who Tel: +1 (204) 958-7700 as those in the south. Also, that more Fax: +1 (204) 958-7710 have so much potential having to capacity building happens in the MIE 2 grow up in this type of environ- north so youth can help other youth. 9, chemin de Balexert ment. I wish for northern youth to have the 1219 Châtelaine Genève, Suisse 5. Resources development—the para- confidence, funding, mentorship and Tel: + (41-22) 979-9353 dox of needing to protect the envi- support to have all the ingredients Fax: + (41-22) 979-9093 ronment, but at the same time pro- they need to fully reach their poten- 250 Albert Street tial, because they have so much. Suite 553 vide employment and economic Ottawa, Ontario development for the people. … Canada K1P 6M1 Tel: +1 (613) 238-2296 Q3: How can youth work for posi- Go to our Web site at www.ipyy- Fax: +1 (613) 238-8515 outh.org—add yourself to the discus- tive change in the Arctic? 212 East 47th Street sion forums, they just got started and #21F Get involved! we want more young people taking New York, NY 10017 USA There is so much creatively and pas- part. The Web site is open to all Tel: +1 (646) 536 7556 sion and enthusiasm within youth young people, so add in your voice. Fax: +1 (646) 219-0955 that they can really tap into and use … their voices. Many youth just need

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