With our workshop session accepted for Arctic Congress 2024, and receiving our first letter of support from the University of the Arctic, we wanted to learn more about Canada’s vision for Arctic youth empowerment.

A key priority we think needs more attention is increasing the University of the Arctic’s activities and programming in Canada. There is a need to provide opportunities for Northern and Indigenous youth to engage in international Arctic affairs. The University of the Arctic (UArctic) has long been a pivotal player in empowering Northern communities through educational exchanges and knowledge networks.

Canada’s vision for the Canadian and circumpolar Arctic is driven by the 2019 Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, a collaborative effort with federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. The goal is to create thriving, strong, and safe communities in the Arctic and North.

Canada has committed to increasing its engagement with UArctic, working to foster collaboration between young Canadians and institutions across Arctic and non-Arctic states. But much more needs to be done and there needs to be more support for these kinds of initiatives. It’s been pointed out by youth on our projects, as well as on those we collaborate with, that most conference and events don’t seem to include youth in their budgets. There is a great need, particularly for northern community members, youth and Elders, to also be part of these experiences.

There is still a great need to understand the unique challenges of remote Arctic and Northern communities, and how Canada is supposed to be actively supporting the exchange of information and best practices in early learning, post-secondary education, and early career skills development.

Read more in the UArctic Shared Voices article: Canada’s Vision for Arctic Youth Empowerment.