Northern Indigenous communities are key sites of knowledge, solutions and action for addressing food security challenges and adapting to climate change impacts. Community members are working with partners at different scales (local, regional and territorial) to promote action around local food systems in ways that foster community health and well-being; strengthen ties to culture, land and spirituality; and support self-determination and self-reliance. This session invites a broad range of presentations that address research, perspectives, and initiatives related to northern food systems, food sovereignty and food security, in the context of climate adaptation and resilience. We encourage contributions that explore themes of Indigenous knowledge, governance, youth, and/or sex and gender. We are particularly interested in highlighting innovative research methods, policies, and success stories that promote knowledge sharing and network-building across northern regions. Co-Chairs: Sonia Wesche, University of Ottawa Kelly Skinner, University of Waterloo Andrew Spring, Wilfrid Laurier University

Indigenous Nations around the world are working to assert their rights and responsibilities in relation to data that is collected from them, about them, and about their cultures and territories. These rights to maintain, control, protect and develop their own data, are foundations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). Increasingly in Canada, they are being recognized by governments and other institutions through documents such as the First Nation Data Sovereignty Strategy, the National Inuit Strategy on Research, and other regional and community-level initiatives. This panel discussion will bring together representatives from Indigenous Governments and Indigenous Organizations from across the North to share what they are doing to work towards data sovereignty for the Nations/Regions/Communities they represent and work for, why it is important, and what the research community can do to support these efforts. The panel invites anyone who is working with data in the North to attend, and will encourage open conversation and reflection on the current state of data governance, the values that underpin data governance frameworks, and practical examples of both challenges and successes in the implementation of Indigenous Data Sovereignty projects. Moderator: Kristeen McTavish, Council of Yukon First Nations Panelists: Mathieya Alatini, Council of Yukon First Nations Mona Belleau, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated James Delorme, Dene Nation Michelle Saunders, Nunatsiavut Government

This panel will focus on both international and domestic developments in circumpolar studies and knowledge mobilization. More specifically, the panel will discuss emerging linkages and cross-polar collaborations and developments in circumpolar studies across universities. At the same time, it will reflect on local, place based, applied research and KT/mobilization and the development of knowledge sharing to develop guidelines for new aids including implementing UNDRIP in health. This dynamic panel will reflect upon and generate conversations about the importance of continuing to build local and pan-Arctic relationships across the social sciences and the critical role of collaborators to generate new protocols, policies and processes of knowledge sharing. Co-Chairs: Gabrielle Slowey, York University Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, Hotii ts'eeda Heather Nichol, Trent University Panelists: John B Zoe, Member, Tłı̨chǫ First Nation & Chair, Governing Council Hotıì ts’eeda Program (NWT SPOR Support Unit) Sadetło Scott, Member, Tłı̨chǫ First Nation Student, Yukon University Amanda Buffalo, Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society

Biomarkers are natural products that can be traced to a particular biological origin (source, process, or state). They are powerful and versatile tools that are commonly used across numerous disciplines including ecology, toxicology and geology. As an example, lipids and stable isotopes have allowed major advances in paleo-oceanographic and food web studies across a myriad of ecosystems. This session aims to present notable results enabled by biomarkers, technical advances and new biomarker approaches, as well as the applicability and potential limitations of biomarker-based research. This session will examine how biomarkers can help solve complex environmental problems, highlighting their contribution to our understanding of the past, current and future functioning of Arctic marine ecosystems. Key topics include the effects of abiotic-biotic conditions on the quality and/or stock of the primary production, the energy flow throughout aquatic systems as well as any other relevant interdisciplinary approaches. Co-Chairs: Rémi Amiraux, University of Manitoba David Yurkowski, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Audrey Limoges, University of New Brunswick

Arctic waters are undergoing rapid change, including increasing ocean temperatures, the massive inflow of freshwater from melting glaciers and ice caps, the influx of icebergs, reduction in sea ice cover, and shifts in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. Advancing our understanding of physical oceanographic processes in northern waters is critical to assessing the past, present, and future state of the Arctic. This session invites research presentations across a broad range of physical oceanography in polar and sub-polar seas, from micro-scale to basin-scale dynamics, including observational and modelling approaches. Presentations that investigate exchanges between land and sea, spanning from the coast to the open ocean, are particularly welcome. Welcome topics include exchanges at glacier-ocean interfaces, the fate of freshwater runoff, fjord- and basin-scale circulation dynamics, changes in ocean heat content and transport, boundary current dynamics, vertical mixing and convection, and more. Co-Chairs: Andrew Hamilton, University of Alberta Paul Myers, University of Alberta Juliana Marson, University of Manitoba

Marine shipping throughout the Arctic is increasing, especially as reductions in sea ice make many areas more accessible, growing communities rely on ships for resupply, commercial ships travel for resource extraction and fishing, and the Arctic continues to rapidly become a destination for tourists. This increase in shipping traffic poses potential risks and benefits to the Arctic region. Mitigation of impacts on the marine and terrestrial environment and on communities living in the North is required, and conversations need to be held gathering perspectives from Inuit and northerners, academics, industry professionals, ship operators, government researchers, and policy makers to develop a shipping industry that works for all. We aim for this session to encourage critical discussion on the state of marine shipping and transportation in the Arctic, potential impacts and future policy directions, and welcome abstracts from a broad range of topics. Co-Chairs: Jean Holloway, University of Ottawa Nicolien van Luijk, Memorial University

There is an ongoing need to transform methods in the environmental sciences to better accommodate the perspectives, research needs, leadership and rights of Indigenous Peoples. This session highlights methods that support Indigenous priorities in research involving Arctic Indigenous homelands. Presenters from across the circumpolar north include Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers in the natural and social sciences, and from non-academic Indigenous organizations. This session highlights transformative approaches at various stages of research, such as: problem framing, preliminary research, observing and monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting, networking, research governance, and the application of research outputs in environmental policy. Discussion will emphasize the human dimensions of the natural sciences, decolonizing research practices, variations in methodological priorities among Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and opportunities for transformative change. Co-Chairs: Megan Sheremata, University of Toronto Stanislav Saas Ksenofontov, University of Northern Iowa Enooyaq Sudlovenick, University of Manitoba Margaret Anamaq Rudolf, University of Alaska Fairbanks Victoria Qutuuq Buschman, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Muskoxen, an Arctic icon, and taxonomically unique species, often take backstage compared to caribou, their more numerous and widespread counterpart. Because of this, research on the health and ecology of muskoxen has often lagged behind that on caribou. Nevertheless, muskoxen are a key species for many Indigenous communities, providing socio-economic benefits and supporting food security. In recent years, however, muskox populations have been changing resulting in a surge of new Indigenous knowledge and scientific research. In some of its endemic range, muskox populations have recently experienced significant declines associated with emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases. In contrast, elsewhere, the muskox appears to be flourishing, driving concerns with respect to its impacts on caribou and other wildlife species. This session puts the muskox on centre stage and offers the opportunity to share current Indigenous and scientific knowledge on muskox health. Co-Chairs: Erica Suitor, University of Calgary Susan Kutz, University of Calgary

Opening Remarks from Christine Barnard, the Honourable Dan Vandal and Jackie Dawson.

Despite being distant from heavily industrialized areas, Arctic ecosystems and wildlife carry the evidence of anthropogenic pollution – from black carbon to plastics, from persistent organic pollutants to heavy metals. While some pollutants may arise from wood combustion or oil and gas flaring at local to regional scales, many contaminants are carried over long distances, transported to the high latitudes via winds, rivers, ice, and ocean currents. This plenary will bring together national and international experts who closely monitor contaminants and pollutants in the Arctic and who will address the far reaching impacts of these substances on the environment, food chains, and human health. Speakers: Mark Flanner, Jay Cullen, Jennifer Provencher, Liisa Jantunen, Liz Pijogge Moderator: Helen Joseph

(Side Meeting) The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency is hosting the Northern Food Innovation Challenge, an initiative to fund and support innovators from across the territories as they design and implement their innovative food projects. You've seen the innovators present their projects at the "Strengthening the Northern Food Sector through Innovation" session, now this is the chance to talk directly with them to learn more about how their innovative approach is combatting food insecurity in the territories. Whether you're a program lead, a potential partner, or just someone interested in learning more about Northern food systems and food Innovation, come by to meet the innovators!

Community members across Inuit Nunangat travel extensively on land, water, and sea ice. Climate change, including changing sea ice and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, has made it riskier and harder for people to travel and hunt safely. Inuit knowledge supporting safe travel is also changing and is shared less between generations. Inuit increasingly use online weather, marine, and ice products to develop locally relevant forecasts. This helps to make decisions according to wind, waves, precipitation, visibility, sea ice conditions, and floe edge location. Knowledgeable land users, community organizations, and research partnerships are developing new tools, monitoring programs, and ways of sharing knowledge and information to support travel safety. In this session we encourage presentations to share examples and experiences in developing new tools and adaptation strategies from community perspectives. This may include, but is not limited to: • Hunting and harvesting • Fisheries • Shipping Co-Chairs: Natasha Simonee, Independent Researcher Natalie Carter, McMaster University

Northern Indigenous communities are key sites of knowledge, solutions and action for addressing food security challenges and adapting to climate change impacts. Community members are working with partners at different scales (local, regional and territorial) to promote action around local food systems in ways that foster community health and well-being; strengthen ties to culture, land and spirituality; and support self-determination and self-reliance. This session invites a broad range of presentations that address research, perspectives, and initiatives related to northern food systems, food sovereignty and food security, in the context of climate adaptation and resilience. We encourage contributions that explore themes of Indigenous knowledge, governance, youth, and/or sex and gender. We are particularly interested in highlighting innovative research methods, policies, and success stories that promote knowledge sharing and network-building across northern regions. Co-Chairs: Sonia Wesche, University of Ottawa Kelly Skinner, University of Waterloo Andrew Spring, Wilfrid Laurier University

Arctic waters are undergoing rapid change, including increasing ocean temperatures, the massive inflow of freshwater from melting glaciers and ice caps, the influx of icebergs, reduction in sea ice cover, and shifts in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. Advancing our understanding of physical oceanographic processes in northern waters is critical to assessing the past, present, and future state of the Arctic. This session invites research presentations across a broad range of physical oceanography in polar and sub-polar seas, from micro-scale to basin-scale dynamics, including observational and modelling approaches. Presentations that investigate exchanges between land and sea, spanning from the coast to the open ocean, are particularly welcome. Welcome topics include exchanges at glacier-ocean interfaces, the fate of freshwater runoff, fjord- and basin-scale circulation dynamics, changes in ocean heat content and transport, boundary current dynamics, vertical mixing and convection, and more. Co-Chairs: Andrew Hamilton, University of Alberta Paul Myers, University of Alberta Juliana Marson, University of Manitoba

Marine shipping throughout the Arctic is increasing, especially as reductions in sea ice make many areas more accessible, growing communities rely on ships for resupply, commercial ships travel for resource extraction and fishing, and the Arctic continues to rapidly become a destination for tourists. This increase in shipping traffic poses potential risks and benefits to the Arctic region. Mitigation of impacts on the marine and terrestrial environment and on communities living in the North is required, and conversations need to be held gathering perspectives from Inuit and northerners, academics, industry professionals, ship operators, government researchers, and policy makers to develop a shipping industry that works for all. We aim for this session to encourage critical discussion on the state of marine shipping and transportation in the Arctic, potential impacts and future policy directions, and welcome abstracts from a broad range of topics. Co-Chairs: Jean Holloway, University of Ottawa Nicolien van Luijk, Memorial University

The Canadian Arctic is a vast, remote area of responsibility that is undergoing a number of paradigmatic shifts - environmentally, socio-economically, and geopolitically. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans and its special operating agency, the Canadian Coast Guard, deliver critical programs and services that contribute to the safety and security of Canadians in Canada's North and Arctic in the face of these challenges, now and into the future. This panel will feature speakers from both Canadian federal organizations, as well as external partners, that will speak to subjects including: Enhancing Navigational safety - modern & adequate Bathymetry & charting of the Arctic Arctic Marine Climate Change research - marine science research in the Arctic as facilitated by the CCGS Amundsen Developing Northern, Arctic local incident response capacity Advancing Reconciliation through Collaborative Governance Ensuring the Security of the Arctic through Maritime Domain Awareness Chair: Godfrey Edwards, Project Analyst, Arctic Region, Canadian Coast Guard Panelists: Neil O’Rourke, Assistant Commissioner, Arctic Region, Canadian Coast Guard Sue McLennan, Regional Director, Integrated Business Management Services, Arctic Region, Canadian Coast Guard Leah Ipana, Program Officer, Integrated Business Management Services, Arctic Region, Canadian Coast Guard Gregor Gilbert, Makivik Corporation Tyrone Raddi, Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation

There is an ongoing need to transform methods in the environmental sciences to better accommodate the perspectives, research needs, leadership and rights of Indigenous Peoples. This session highlights methods that support Indigenous priorities in research involving Arctic Indigenous homelands. Presenters from across the circumpolar north include Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers in the natural and social sciences, and from non-academic Indigenous organizations. This session highlights transformative approaches at various stages of research, such as: problem framing, preliminary research, observing and monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting, networking, research governance, and the application of research outputs in environmental policy. Discussion will emphasize the human dimensions of the natural sciences, decolonizing research practices, variations in methodological priorities among Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and opportunities for transformative change. Co-Chairs: Megan Sheremata, University of Toronto Stanislav Saas Ksenofontov, University of Northern Iowa Enooyaq Sudlovenick, University of Manitoba Margaret Anamaq Rudolf, University of Alaska Fairbanks Victoria Qutuuq Buschman, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Northern river systems are significantly affected by altered seasonal precipitation patterns caused by climate change. This results in extreme hydrological conditions that affect northern communities, energy production, and the transportation infrastructure between these communities. In recent years, northern rivers have seen record low and record high flows, disastrous ice jams, and threatening mid-winter icing conditions, all of which disrupted the supply of goods through a vulnerable road system and directly impacting the integrity and operation of critical infrastructure. This session emphasizes physical processes as they relate to the hydrological cycle as well as the consequence of climate change on northern communities located along rivers and lakes. It includes the challenges associated with quantifying flows in sub-arctic and arctic rivers, a description of known and expected changes to the hydrological cycle of northern river systems, case studies of recent floods, and the consequence of hydrological extremes on existing and planned infrastructure. Co-Chairs: Benoit Turcotte, Yukon University François Rainville, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Access to safe drinking water is a challenge for many Arctic communities. Most Arctic communities rely on decentralized truck-and-cistern water systems or potable water dispensing units where people collect water using secondary storage containers. As a result, drinking water quantity and quality are often limited, which impacts the way that residents consume and use water, with implications for exposure to waterborne disease and sanitation. The Arctic region is greatly affected by climate change phenomena such as changing precipitation regimes and the thawing of permafrost, both of which can affect source water quality and quantity and damage drinking water infrastructure. Arctic communities are also characterized by a rapidly increasing population, which increases the pressure on water infrastructure. This session aims to present research projects in the Arctic focused on developing water engineering strategies to improve access to safe water in Northern communities. Co-Chairs: Stéphanie Guilherme, University of Ottawa Stéphanie Gora, York University Judith Marechal, Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut - Arctic Danish Technical University

Northern Indigenous communities are key sites of knowledge, solutions and action for addressing food security challenges and adapting to climate change impacts. Community members are working with partners at different scales (local, regional and territorial) to promote action around local food systems in ways that foster community health and well-being; strengthen ties to culture, land and spirituality; and support self-determination and self-reliance. This session invites a broad range of presentations that address research, perspectives, and initiatives related to northern food systems, food sovereignty and food security, in the context of climate adaptation and resilience. We encourage contributions that explore themes of Indigenous knowledge, governance, youth, and/or sex and gender. We are particularly interested in highlighting innovative research methods, policies, and success stories that promote knowledge sharing and network-building across northern regions. Co-Chairs: Sonia Wesche, University of Ottawa Kelly Skinner, University of Waterloo Andrew Spring, Wilfrid Laurier University

Arctic waters are undergoing rapid change, including increasing ocean temperatures, the massive inflow of freshwater from melting glaciers and ice caps, the influx of icebergs, reduction in sea ice cover, and shifts in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. Advancing our understanding of physical oceanographic processes in northern waters is critical to assessing the past, present, and future state of the Arctic. This session invites research presentations across a broad range of physical oceanography in polar and sub-polar seas, from micro-scale to basin-scale dynamics, including observational and modelling approaches. Presentations that investigate exchanges between land and sea, spanning from the coast to the open ocean, are particularly welcome. Welcome topics include exchanges at glacier-ocean interfaces, the fate of freshwater runoff, fjord- and basin-scale circulation dynamics, changes in ocean heat content and transport, boundary current dynamics, vertical mixing and convection, and more. Co-Chairs: Andrew Hamilton, University of Alberta Paul Myers, University of Alberta Juliana Marson, University of Manitoba

Arctic marine mammals are facing several concurrent challenges, including changes in habitat (e.g., sea ice, water temperature), prey type and abundance, novel competitors and predators, and anthropogenic pressures. For example, the loss of sea ice is facilitating the expansion of southern species, including prey (capelin) and predators (killer whales), and the expansion of human activities such as natural resource development and vessel traffic. These pressures could have varying effects on endemic Arctic marine mammals, ranging from short-term disturbance to effects on abundance of fitness. This session focuses on assessing the prevalence and impact of these pressures. Co-Chairs: William Halliday, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada Stephen Insley, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada Morgan Martin, University of Victoria Niki Diogou, University of Victoria Annika Heimrich, University of Victoria

There is an ongoing need to transform methods in the environmental sciences to better accommodate the perspectives, research needs, leadership and rights of Indigenous Peoples. This session highlights methods that support Indigenous priorities in research involving Arctic Indigenous homelands. Presenters from across the circumpolar north include Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers in the natural and social sciences, and from non-academic Indigenous organizations. This session highlights transformative approaches at various stages of research, such as: problem framing, preliminary research, observing and monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting, networking, research governance, and the application of research outputs in environmental policy. Discussion will emphasize the human dimensions of the natural sciences, decolonizing research practices, variations in methodological priorities among Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and opportunities for transformative change. Co-Chairs: Megan Sheremata, University of Toronto Stanislav Saas Ksenofontov, University of Northern Iowa Enooyaq Sudlovenick, University of Manitoba Margaret Anamaq Rudolf, University of Alaska Fairbanks Victoria Qutuuq Buschman, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Access to safe drinking water is a challenge for many Arctic communities. Most Arctic communities rely on decentralized truck-and-cistern water systems or potable water dispensing units where people collect water using secondary storage containers. As a result, drinking water quantity and quality are often limited, which impacts the way that residents consume and use water, with implications for exposure to waterborne disease and sanitation. The Arctic region is greatly affected by climate change phenomena such as changing precipitation regimes and the thawing of permafrost, both of which can affect source water quality and quantity and damage drinking water infrastructure. Arctic communities are also characterized by a rapidly increasing population, which increases the pressure on water infrastructure. This session aims to present research projects in the Arctic focused on developing water engineering strategies to improve access to safe water in Northern communities. Co-Chairs: Stéphanie Guilherme, University of Ottawa Stéphanie Gora, York University Judith Marechal, Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut - Arctic Danish Technical University

The Arctic is warming three times the global average rate creating dramatic shifts in the functioning of tundra ecosystems, yet not all processes are responding in similar or predictable ways. Here we highlight the complexities in terrestrial ecosystem responses to global change with an emphasis on linking processes across biological scales, trophic levels, and above-belowground dynamics. We invite studies in several emerging research areas including above and belowground tundra phenology and links to plant fitness, population dynamics and ecosystem function; shrubification, controls over shrub growth and impacts on Arctic greening and browning; multi-trophic interactions including changes in herbivory and plant-pollinator relationships; and terrestrial ecosystem responses to climate variability and extreme events. This session will highlight cutting edge research filling these and other key knowledge gaps to expand our understanding of plant population, community and ecosystem dynamics in a warming Arctic. Co-Chairs: Courtney Collins, University of British Columbia Greg Henry, University of British Columbia Zoe Panchen, University of British Columbia Cassandra Elphinstone, University of British Columbia