Program

Julian Forrest (Edmonton, Alberta) and Julie Forgues (Moncton, New Brunswick) met aboard a tall ship that traveled through the Svalbard archipelago in June 2023 as part of The Arctic Circle artist residency program (ACR). Together, they formed an artistic collaboration dedicated to expanding the dialogue around the state of the Arctic through art. In October, 2024, alongside two colleagues from the TAC, they exhibited during the Arctic Circle Assembly 2024 in Reykjavik, Iceland. The works presented at this year’s ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting emerged from their experiences in the Arctic, offering artistic perspectives that both reflect on and illuminate the planet’s current condition—where art and science converge in an ongoing conversation that continues to shed light on our changing world. As a collaborative, they are available for conferences, exhibitions, artist talks, and so forth. Please feel free to reach out if you are interested. julianforrest.com, insta : @julianforrest julieforgues.ca, insta : @_julie_forgues_ @monpunctum

Special Event

The Arctic marine environment is rapidly shifting due to climate change and increased human pressure. Marine wildlife are faced with multiple concurrent environmental pressures, such as habitat loss, shifting prey species, and novel competitors and predators, as well as new human-induced pressures such as pollution, invasive species, and disturbance. Moreover, marine wildlife are an important source of subsistence food for Inuit throughout Inuit Nunangat, so decreased health or abundance of marine wildlife can directly affect the people who rely on these animals. This session will include presentations on the variety of new conservation challenges facing Arctic marine wildlife, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Presentations will focus on identifying these conservation challenges, but also on working towards finding solutions that benefit marine wildlife and Inuit who rely on them. Co-Chairs: William Halliday, WCS Canada Anne Loosen, WCS Canada Stephen Insley, WCS Canada

Topical Session
Ecosystems

Wildlife health is essential for ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, food sovereignty and security, and sociocultural health. Arctic wildlife are currently facing multiple threats, including climate change, shifting animal and plant phenology, disturbance, and the invasion and establishment of novel species. The results are dramatic shifts in wildlife health and emergence of infectious diseases. Interdisciplinary, holistic research with a One Health approach is required to better understand these threats and drive actionable recommendations. This session invites a diversity of views, from community, ecology, wildlife management, human health and policy sectors. We aim to explore different facets of wildlife health ecology during a period of environmental change and shifting societal priorities. Themes will focus on the links between wildlife health and their ecology, including disease ecology, nutritional ecology, and drivers of population health. Co-Chairs: William Justus, University of Calgary Olivia Hee, University of Calgary Susan Kutz, University of Calgary

Topical Session
Ecosystems

The polar regions face major environmental challenges from contamination by a multitude of potentially toxic substances. Although remote from major industrial areas, these regions are subject to significant pollution resulting from atmospheric and oceanic transport of contaminants, as well as from emerging local activities such as natural resource extraction and tourism. The presence of contaminants in the Arctic endangers the region's sensitive ecosystems, with biological and ecological effects that are still poorly understood. This session aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on Arctic ecotoxicology, addressing pollution sources, their modes of dispersal, and their impacts on wildlife and human communities. Contaminants in the Arctic can be highly variable and their potential impacts can be exacerbated by climate change. Among the most concerning are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, microplastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and per and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). These have been found in both marine and terrestrial organisms and find their way into ecosystems and organisms via the aforementioned sources. The accumulation of contaminants in Arctic food webs can have severe biological consequences. The effects are varied and can include endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, effects on reproduction or the immune system, among others. This session will explore the pathways and toxicological effects of contaminants on various organisms such as marine mammals, fishes and seabirds, as well as plankton communities, which form the basis of food chains. Local populations, particularly Indigenous communities, are directly affected by the presence of these contaminants. We also invite researchers working on the health effects of contaminants on Arctic Indigenous populations, on risk management policies put in place to limit exposure to contaminants, and those working to integrate traditional knowledge systems into strategies for monitoring and adapting to environmental contamination, to submit an abstract for this session. Co-Chairs: Dylan Beard, University of Alberta Karima Hadria Gondry, INRS

Topical Session
Ecosystems

This special session highlights the early outcomes and innovations from a collaborative coastal adaptation project in Nunavut, involving Inuit organizations, northern communities, academic researchers, the private sector, and territorial and federal partners. The initiative integrates community-based monitoring, coastal hazard modelling, and knowledge transfer to inform and support local and regional decision-making. Presentations will explore the intersection of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and scientific methods in assessing risk to coastal hazards, and in co-developing adaptation tools and pathways to strengthen community resilience. We welcome contributions from all components of the project or other similar projects in Nunavut, including (but not limited to): Inuit knowledge and observations, field-based environmental monitoring (permafrost, sea ice, hydrodynamics, etc.), hazard mapping, wave and water level modelling, early warning systems, and adaptation strategies developed in partnership with communities. This session aims to foster cross-sector dialogue, highlight the value of co-produced knowledge, and showcase applied solutions to climate adaptation in Arctic coastal regions. Co-Chairs: Didier David, Université du Québec à Rimouski Stéphanie Coulombe, Polar Knowledge Canada Tristan Pearce, University of Northern British Columbia Jacob Stolle, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique Terry Noah, Ausuittuq Adventures

Topical Session
Livestreamed
Live interpretation in Inuktitut available
Ecosystems

The Arctic is warming at up to four times the global rate, which is driving a dramatic reduction in Arctic sea ice. As the manifestation of both thermodynamic and dynamic processes across the atmosphere-sea ice-ocean system, sea ice is susceptible to changes in both the atmosphere and ocean that in turn modulate its extent, mobility and thickness. Changes to the ice pack have cascading effects on the entire marine system, such as altering biogeochemical processes, affecting the livelihoods of Inuit, and impacting the maritime industry that operates in Arctic waters. Hence it is critical to understand the processes that act across the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere system and how they modulate ice pack characteristics at all spatial and temporal scales. This broad session covers the oceanographic and atmospheric processes that influence the sea ice cover, and the physical properties of the snow-covered sea ice itself. Studies based on local knowledge, in situ observations, remote sensing and/or modelling are invited. Co-Chairs: David Babb, University of Manitoba Alex Cabaj, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Topical Session
Other

Food security in the Arctic is shaped by the complex interplay of climate change, high transportation costs, infrastructure gaps, and the erosion of traditional food systems. This session centers the leadership and voices of northern Indigenous communities to explore environmental, cultural, and technological factors affecting access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food. Case studies-such as Gjoa Haven's Naurvik greenhouse and Cambridge Bay's fish processing facility-highlight the power of partnerships between Indigenous knowledge holders and researchers to co-develop sustainable, locally driven solutions. We invite submissions on: land-based harvesting, Controlled Environment Agriculture, renewable energy integration, community-led monitoring, Arctic char fisheries, climate impacts, affordability and tariffs impacts, commercialization risks, youth engagement, and Indigenous food governance. Co-Chairs: Christine Cox, Arctic Research Foundation Tom Henheffer, Arctic Research Foundation

Topical Session
Other

Canada's reputation for Arctic science is well-established and positions our country to lead internationally on relevant issues. Our contributions to Antarctic science are less known, but increasingly important as the science-driven Antarctic treaty system is tested by geopolitical pressures. The recent Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025) aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke showcased Canada's ability to extend our Arctic expertise and lead multi-disciplinary research in the region. This session will summarize CARE 2025, describing successes and lessons-learned from a unique collaboration among federal departments, academic researchers, and the Royal Canadian Navy. Preliminary results from the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula will be presented. We invite presentations from other researchers engaged in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and encourage contributions that describe Arctic-Antarctic linkages. Co-Chairs: Brent Else, University of Calgary Céline Guéguen, Université de Sherbrooke

Topical Session
Other

Oceans North and National Geographic -Pristine Seas invite you to a screening of the full feature documentary Tasiujarjuaq and Weeneebeg: Bays of Life. A documentary about Indigenous-led conservation in Hudson and JameBay sharing Inuit and Cree aspirations and efforts for stewardship and protection of this vital part of the Arctic Ocean. Featuring never-seen-before underwater footage of the bays.

Side meeting

Research training for Inuit often looks different than in the south. In the first part of this session, training programs from across Inuit Nunangat will showcase their initiatives. Presentations will highlight diverse approaches to Inuit-specific research training, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration. The second session will transition into a townhall. This interactive forum will invite participants to engage in open discussions, share experiences, and collaboratively explore opportunities for research training in Inuit Nunangat. The townhall aims to foster a community of practice, encouraging dialogue that can lead to actionable insights and strengthened partnerships. Capacity building is essential to Inuit self-determination and leadership in research. By bringing together trainees, trainers, community members, and researchers, this session seeks to enhance the effectiveness and reach of Inuit research training programs, ensuring they are culturally relevant and community-driven. Co-Chairs: Juutai McKitrick, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Katherine Minich, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Topical Session
Well-being

Four Indigenous-led hunter and guardian programs-Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre, Imaryuk Monitors, and the Ni Hat 'Ni Dene Guardians-have collaborated to develop an approach for estimating their programs' economic return on investment (ROI) from the Payer's perspective. They created tools to track outcomes related to food security, health, mental health, ecological conservation, economic development, and overall wellbeing, with near real-time results shared via dashboards. This session will present their evaluation tools, ROI methodologies, and findings, and offer a roadmap for similar programs. Their approach shows a positive ROI for federal, territorial, and provincial governments, and Canadian society. The format includes: 1) frameworks and methods; 2) program findings; 3) roadmap for similar programs; and 4) an interactive discussion and mini-training session for Indigenous-led programs aiming to improve wellbeing in Northern Indigenous contexts. Co-Chairs: Christina Hackett, CoEvaluation Lab Shari Fox, Ittaq Heritage & Research Centre Kirt Ruben, Joint Secretariat/Inuvialuit Settlement Region Kynyn Doughty, Dechinta Centre for Research & Learning Mike Jaypoody, Ittaq Heritage & Research Centre

Panel Discussion
Well-being

This final of five sessions, open to all, links to the plenary talk, New technologies proposed to slow the loss of sea ice (Dec. 18, 1:45 pm). In session V, the Study of Environmental Arctic Change will make room for discussion amongst Inuit, Inupiaq, Yupik, and others of potential efforts to slow the loss of sea ice.

Side meeting

This will be our panel discussion finalizing our 5 year project with Genome Canada. Wildlife genome information is extremely valuable for environmental decision making, yet much remains unused for this purpose. This project has drawn together partners with expertise across disciplines, cultures and organizations, building upon team strengths in Arctic observation and monitoring, biology, conservation, cyber-cartography, data management, genomics, geography, Indigenous Knowledge, the legal and policy sciences, and resource management. Together we have co-develop a suite of genomics knowledge-mobilization tools that will support environmental decision making. Project activities and outcomes will support conservation, natural resource management, and the sustainability of Arctic wildlife. Outcomes will also support Canada’s efforts to protect Arctic species and ensure food security for Arctic Peoples.

Side meeting

At Arctic Change 2024 over 100 people came together for a town hall hosted by the Aqqiumavvik Society, Qajaq Robinson (EQR Law), Bert Dean (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.) and Natalie Carter (McMaster University). This first town hall of its kind had a focus on how Nunavut Inuit are to exercise their rights to sell geese in the Nunavut Settlement Area. Our goal was to learn from diverse experiences, develop new connections, and build a collective understanding of potential approaches, identify who to involve, target markets, and food safety and accessibility considerations when working toward modernizing policy and commercializing geese. This year's interactive session invites participants from all backgrounds to learn about the progress, challenges, and policy responses shaping our work. We will premiere a compelling new video featuring the voices and perspectives of those directly involved. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on refining next steps-your questions, feedback, and ideas are vital. Panel Presenters Shirley Tagalik, Aqqiumavvik Society Natalie Carter, McMaster University Kukik Baker, Aqqiumavvik Society Bert Dean, Nunavut Tunngavik

Town Hall
Livestreamed
Live interpretation in Inuktitut available
Ecosystems

The Arctic marine environment is rapidly shifting due to climate change and increased human pressure. Marine wildlife are faced with multiple concurrent environmental pressures, such as habitat loss, shifting prey species, and novel competitors and predators, as well as new human-induced pressures such as pollution, invasive species, and disturbance. Moreover, marine wildlife are an important source of subsistence food for Inuit throughout Inuit Nunangat, so decreased health or abundance of marine wildlife can directly affect the people who rely on these animals. This session will include presentations on the variety of new conservation challenges facing Arctic marine wildlife, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Presentations will focus on identifying these conservation challenges, but also on working towards finding solutions that benefit marine wildlife and Inuit who rely on them. Co-Chairs: William Halliday, WCS Canada Anne Loosen, WCS Canada Stephen Insley, WCS Canada

Topical Session
Ecosystems

Wildlife health is essential for ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, food sovereignty and security, and sociocultural health. Arctic wildlife are currently facing multiple threats, including climate change, shifting animal and plant phenology, disturbance, and the invasion and establishment of novel species. The results are dramatic shifts in wildlife health and emergence of infectious diseases. Interdisciplinary, holistic research with a One Health approach is required to better understand these threats and drive actionable recommendations. This session invites a diversity of views, from community, ecology, wildlife management, human health and policy sectors. We aim to explore different facets of wildlife health ecology during a period of environmental change and shifting societal priorities. Themes will focus on the links between wildlife health and their ecology, including disease ecology, nutritional ecology, and drivers of population health. Co-Chairs: William Justus, University of Calgary Olivia Hee, University of Calgary Susan Kutz, University of Calgary

Topical Session
Ecosystems

The polar regions face major environmental challenges from contamination by a multitude of potentially toxic substances. Although remote from major industrial areas, these regions are subject to significant pollution resulting from atmospheric and oceanic transport of contaminants, as well as from emerging local activities such as natural resource extraction and tourism. The presence of contaminants in the Arctic endangers the region's sensitive ecosystems, with biological and ecological effects that are still poorly understood. This session aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on Arctic ecotoxicology, addressing pollution sources, their modes of dispersal, and their impacts on wildlife and human communities. Contaminants in the Arctic can be highly variable and their potential impacts can be exacerbated by climate change. Among the most concerning are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, microplastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and per and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). These have been found in both marine and terrestrial organisms and find their way into ecosystems and organisms via the aforementioned sources. The accumulation of contaminants in Arctic food webs can have severe biological consequences. The effects are varied and can include endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, effects on reproduction or the immune system, among others. This session will explore the pathways and toxicological effects of contaminants on various organisms such as marine mammals, fishes and seabirds, as well as plankton communities, which form the basis of food chains. Local populations, particularly Indigenous communities, are directly affected by the presence of these contaminants. We also invite researchers working on the health effects of contaminants on Arctic Indigenous populations, on risk management policies put in place to limit exposure to contaminants, and those working to integrate traditional knowledge systems into strategies for monitoring and adapting to environmental contamination, to submit an abstract for this session. Co-Chairs: Dylan Beard, University of Alberta Karima Hadria Gondry, INRS

Topical Session
Ecosystems

The Arctic is warming at up to four times the global rate, which is driving a dramatic reduction in Arctic sea ice. As the manifestation of both thermodynamic and dynamic processes across the atmosphere-sea ice-ocean system, sea ice is susceptible to changes in both the atmosphere and ocean that in turn modulate its extent, mobility and thickness. Changes to the ice pack have cascading effects on the entire marine system, such as altering biogeochemical processes, affecting the livelihoods of Inuit, and impacting the maritime industry that operates in Arctic waters. Hence it is critical to understand the processes that act across the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere system and how they modulate ice pack characteristics at all spatial and temporal scales. This broad session covers the oceanographic and atmospheric processes that influence the sea ice cover, and the physical properties of the snow-covered sea ice itself. Studies based on local knowledge, in situ observations, remote sensing and/or modelling are invited. Co-Chairs: David Babb, University of Manitoba Alex Cabaj, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Topical Session
Other

The three northern postsecondary institutions: Yukon University, Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College, have a long history of academic and research excellence. Each northern PSI started with a focus on building northern labour market skills for northern peoples, with a particular focus on building capacity for northern Indigenous peoples, and attachment to local and regional labour market opportunities. These opportunities have changed a great deal since the 1960. Over time, each institution has been building applied research capacity within their respective jurisdictions. This session will discuss the evolution of research and the twin goals of academic excellence and building research capacity building, best practices, and opportunities to partner with southern based colleges and universities. Co-Chairs/Panelists: Chris Paci, Aurora College, Aurora Research Institute Jamal Shirley, Nunavut Arctic College, Nunavut Research Institute Davon Callander, Yukon University Murray Richardson, Carleton University

Panel Discussion
Other

Canada's reputation for Arctic science is well-established and positions our country to lead internationally on relevant issues. Our contributions to Antarctic science are less known, but increasingly important as the science-driven Antarctic treaty system is tested by geopolitical pressures. The recent Canadian Antarctic Research Expedition (CARE 2025) aboard the HMCS Margaret Brooke showcased Canada's ability to extend our Arctic expertise and lead multi-disciplinary research in the region. This session will summarize CARE 2025, describing successes and lessons-learned from a unique collaboration among federal departments, academic researchers, and the Royal Canadian Navy. Preliminary results from the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula will be presented. We invite presentations from other researchers engaged in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and encourage contributions that describe Arctic-Antarctic linkages. Co-Chairs: Thomas James, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada Karen Douglas, Natural Resources Canada

Topical Session
Other

In the last couple of years, the federal government's Inuit Child First Initiative (ICFI), the Inuit equivalent of Jordan's Principle, has become a major source of food security programming in Nunavut, funding individual grocery supports and hamlet food voucher programs, which were delivered in most Nunavut communities until March 2025. This panel will present research evaluating ICFI in the context of other food security policies and programs in the territory. Presenters will consider the impacts of the hamlet food voucher program and its removal as a community-wide initiative. Ultimately, this panel will consider how evaluations of ICFI can support shifts to an Inuit-determined food security policy and continuing federal and territorial responsibilities for addressing food insecurity. Co-Chairs: Vandna Sinha, University of Colorado, Boulder Opal McInnis, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc Jeneca Fanjoy, Qupanuaq Panelists: Nicholas Li, Toronto Metropolitan University Sophie Roher, Institute for Circumpolar Health Research Sappho Gilbert, Harvard University

Panel Discussion
Other

Research Support Program at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). Are you interested in learning about how you can conduct research at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)? Join Mike Kristjanson, Director of CHARS Operations, to learn about the application process and the support available for doing research at CHARS.

Side meeting

Research training for Inuit often looks different than in the south. In the first part of this session, training programs from across Inuit Nunangat will showcase their initiatives. Presentations will highlight diverse approaches to Inuit-specific research training, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration. The second session will transition into a townhall. This interactive forum will invite participants to engage in open discussions, share experiences, and collaboratively explore opportunities for research training in Inuit Nunangat. The townhall aims to foster a community of practice, encouraging dialogue that can lead to actionable insights and strengthened partnerships. Capacity building is essential to Inuit self-determination and leadership in research. By bringing together trainees, trainers, community members, and researchers, this session seeks to enhance the effectiveness and reach of Inuit research training programs, ensuring they are culturally relevant and community-driven. Co-Chairs: Juutai McKitrick, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Katherine Minich, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Town Hall
Well-being

Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada cordially invite you to join us at Canada’s first Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) Marine Engagement event for the Arctic. The OPP represents the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways for future generations while growing our economy. Building on progress since 2016, this engagement opportunity will focus on identifying and growing partnerships in the Arctic and sparking meaningful conversations to advance key initiatives that protect Canada’s Oceans and waterways for generations to come. This Arctic OPP event aims to bring together Inuit and other Indigenous partners from across Inuit Nunangat and the North together to foster networking, establish new relationships, share updates on work underway and to provide information on opportunities for future engagement.

Side meeting

Special Event

This plenary highlights innovative approaches, new technologies, and scientific breakthroughs that change how we understand the Earth’s history and inform its future. Marine phycotoxins in the Arctic: a call for transdisciplinarity & emerging technology Audrey Limoges (University of New Brunswick), Michelle Saunders (Nunatsiavut Government) & Noah Brosseau (Makivvik) The Arctic is becoming an increasingly favorable environment for the growth of harmful algae. Although they represent only a small fraction of the thousands of algal species found in marine ecosystems, some species can produce phycotoxins that move through food webs, affecting marine wildlife and human health. By combining emerging technologies with Inuit and local knowledge and leadership, the initiative aims to support data-informed, Arctic-adapted, proactive strategies for understanding and managing harmful algae in the Arctic environment. New technologies proposed to slow the loss of Arctic sea ice Bridget Shayka (Ocean Visions) Because of the predicted changes in the Arctic, new technologies are being proposed to slow the loss of Arctic sea ice. Ocean Visions led a collaborative assessment of 21 approaches proposed to slow the loss of Arctic sea ice. The outcome is a road map that reviews the current state and potential of approaches, social and environmental risks and co-benefits, and governance considerations. The Müller Ice Core: Recovering a 613m ice core & examining over 12,000 years of climate history from the Canadian Arctic Dorthe Dahl-Jensen & David Babb, University of Manitoba In spring 2025, an international team led by researchers at the University of Manitoba recovered a 613m long ice core from the Müller Ice Cap in the high Canadian Arctic. This is the longest ice core ever recovered in North America. Results so far demonstrate that the ice extends back through the Holocene and into the last major ice age, with the bottom ice being over 12,000 years old.

Plenary
Livestreamed
Live interpretation in Inuktitut available

Tracking aquatic animals provides critical information for science and society around the world. However, the Arctic is an extreme environment where tracking requires specialised tools and approaches. Ocean Tracking Network is a CFI-funded Major Science Initiative that provides equipment to support animal tracking research in key aquatic ecosystems globally. In the coming years, OTN plans to leverage its aquatic animal tracking infrastructure to increase support for community-based research that will enable responsive and sustainable management of the Canadian Arctic. In this session, panelists will: 1) discuss how animal tracking technologies will play a role in Arctic management, 2) identify focal areas for Arctic animal tracking, 3) suggest which technologies will be needed to meet management goals for the Arctic, and 4) take questions from the audience about how animal tracking can evolve to meet the needs of Arctic societies Co-Chairs: Robert Lennox, Dalhousie University Sarah Fortune, Dalhousie University Nigel Hussey, University of Windsor Jean-Sébastien Moore, Université Laval

Panel Discussion
Ecosystems

Rapid changes along Arctic coasts-from glacier retreat to shifting sea ice and freshwater flows-are reshaping ocean ecosystems and impacting coastal communities that depend on the Arctic sea ice and ocean. In turn, these communities are responding to changing environmental conditions through local research, innovation, and adaptation. This session invites contributions on physical, social, and ecological change across Arctic ice-associated coasts. We encourage a variety of presentation formats which may include: 1) research presentations, 2) community stories and personal narratives that share knowledge, observations, or lived experience, 3) creative expressions such as spoken and visual art, multimedia, or other interactive experiences that communicate knowledge and relationships on topics related to changing Arctic coastal-ocean systems. We aim to create a space where all knowledge systems are valued and shared in the formats most familiar to presenters, supporting open and respectful exchange. Co-Chairs: Laura Castro de la Guardia, SAMS: Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scotland Andrew Hamilton, University of Alberta Shari Fox, Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre Mike Jaypoody, Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre David Didier, Université du Québec à Rimouski

Topical Session
Ecosystems

The Lhù'ààn Mân (Kluane Lake) region of southwestern Yukon territory has a significant history of research across various disciplines. Spanning the Traditional Territory of the Kluane First Nation, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and White River First Nation, the area also hosts the Kluane National Park and Reserve and the Kluane Lake Research Station. This session invites researchers and community members to present their results and perspectives on science in the region. We encourage presentations from a wide range of backgrounds, including western science and Indigenous Knowledge, in hopes of generating fruitful discussions about how research can move forward in a good way. Co-Chairs: Brent Else, University of Calgary Kim Hatcher, University of Calgary Trish Hume, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Gùdia - Mary Jane Johnson, Kluane First Nation

Topical Session
Ecosystems

This collaborative workshop takes a hands-on approach to exploring how knowledge co-production can strengthen the ability of research networks-using ArcticNet as a central case study-to meet societal needs. The session identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of applying co-production at different stages of a network's activities and research programming. Through interactive exercises and collaborative tools, participants will engage with co-production theory and practice, building capacity to use communication as a strategic tool for inclusive, impactful research. Designed for researchers, coordinators, and stakeholders in research networks, it supports efforts to improve communication and collaboration with diverse knowledge holders. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of co-production as both concept and practice, generate a SWOT analysis in the ArcticNet context, and build strategies for applying co-production across its research programming and activities. Co-Chairs: Michaela Coote, Research Associate, University of Galway & Vice President of The Network of Arctic Researchers, Ireland Melody Lynch, ArcticNet

Town Hall
Other

The Arctic and Sub-Arctic Seas are undergoing rapid changes driven by increased freshwater input and enhanced Atlantic Water inflow. These transformations, which demand urgent scientific attention, are altering ocean dynamics with far-reaching implications for both regional and global climate systems. We invite contributions that explore physical and biogeochemical oceanographic processes using observational, remote sensing, modelling, and community-based approaches. Topics of interest include -but are not limited to - coastal and open-ocean dynamics (e.g., Beaufort Gyre, Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Greenland margins), land ice-ocean interactions, sea-ice and polynya processes, Atlantic Water pathways, vertical mixing and convection, and the evolving freshwater and heat budgets of Arctic and Sub-Arctic basins. Cross-disciplinary studies and those linking ocean processes with the cryosphere, atmosphere, or Indigenous and local knowledge systems are especially encouraged. Co-Chairs: Yarisbel Garcia Quintana, University of Toronto Laura Gillard, University of Alberta Juliana Marini Marson, University of Manitoba Paul Myers, University of Alberta Erica Rosenblum, University of Toronto

Topical Session
Other

Driven by Indigenous rights movements since the 1970s, research ethics, methods, and funding policies have evolved along with Indigenous self-determination in research. In Inuit Nunangat in particular, Inuit have been asserting leadership in research through the development of community protocols, regulating research through licensing and permits, implementing a national research strategy, and influencing funding priorities. While these efforts have led to enhanced capacity and leadership in research, there remain many barriers in ethical review boards, funding eligibility, and financial administration policies in government and academic institutions. These systemic institutional barriers prevent full and meaningful Indigenous engagement in research leadership. In this town hall, we invite all those interested in sharing their experiences with barriers and working together to find solutions to contribute to reimagining research policy. Co-Chairs: Rebecca Mearns, Memorial University of Newfoundland Gita Ljubicic, McMaster University

Town Hall
Other

Watersheds in northern Canada are under increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, short-sighted policy decisions, aging or unsuitable infrastructure, and the lasting impacts of mining. These stressors threaten both the quantity and quality of the water, affecting our communities and impacting ecosystems and traditional ways of life. This session explores the interface between human activities and natural surface water processes in the Yukon as well as in the north in general, emphasizing the importance of documenting current watershed conditions, understanding emerging challenges, and anticipating future crises. It also highlights the need to weave together Western scientific research and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge to foster a holistic understanding of water systems and support sustainable planning for communities. Co-Chairs: Benoit Turcotte, Yukon University Ashley Dubnick, Yukon University Kyra St-Pierre, University of Ottawa

Topical Session
Other

Announced in Budget 2024, the Government of Canada committed $2.8 million to implement the United Nations Declaration and its associated Action Plan Measure 12: "co-develop legislative and policy options for decision-makers with Inuit Treaty Organizations to create a framework for the processing and sale of Inuit country foods within Inuit Nunangat, as well as support the expansion of domestic and international trade of these foods." This investment recognizes that Inuit face higher rates of food insecurity than the rest of Canada and that traditional foods are critically important to improving food security in Inuit Nunangat. To advance food security and sovereignty, this work was included as a near-term outcome in the 2024-25 Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Work Plan for Food Security led by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. This session aims to bring together Inuit and federal partners to share progress, including findings from key informant interviews, an Inuit-led scoping paper, and a photovoice project. Co-Chairs: Farzaneh Barak, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) Sheila Fortune, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Panelists: Camille Fréchette, Makivvik Léa Laflamme, Makivvik Andréa Dufour, Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services Lynn Blackwood, Nunatsiavut Government Norman Okalik, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Napatchie Kolola, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Brian Wade, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Tammy Coltsman, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Panel Discussion
Livestreamed
Live interpretation in Inuktitut available
Well-being

Special Event