2024 Iceland Delegation: Full Reflection

This blog is a reflective account written by youth participants of the 2024 Alumni Iceland Delegation. From October 17 – 19, 2024 SOI Foundation delegates attended and participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly, the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic and our Planet. The delegates engaged with policymakers and fellow early-career professionals with a new lens and appreciation for international cooperation. Below is a collection of their thoughts and reflections about attending the assembly. 

“Reflecting on my time at the ACA 2024, I’m incredibly grateful to the Students on Ice Foundation for the opportunity to engage in critical discussions that will shape the future of the Arctic. Three sessions, in particular, stood out for me for their relevance to the challenges faced by northern communities, including my own in Nunavut.

Building Futures: Housing for Sustainable Arctic Communities offered a profound exploration into how housing policies can support or hinder sustainable development in the Arctic. It was insightful to hear how housing solutions are not just about infrastructure but also about fostering community resilience. The moderator, Patti Bruns, Secretary General of the Arctic Mayors’ Forum, organized a fruitful discussion with mayors from across the Arctic including the Nordic countries, Greenland, and Alaska. It highlighted the importance of integrating local knowledge and culture into the housing designs. This made me reflect on how much more we need to focus on solutions that reflect Inuit values and lifestyles, ensuring that housing isn’t only environmentally sustainable but also culturally relevant.

What’s Next for Arctic Climate? – 20 Years of the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment was another key moment for me. Listening to key speakers highlight the urgent need for Indigenous Knowledge alongside scientific knowledge to play a central role in climate action was profound. As someone passionate about Inuit governance, this resonated deeply, reminding me of the critical responsibility we have to ensure that any future climate policy incorporates both scientific research and the lived experiences and realities of Indigenous Peoples. The interconnectedness of global climate challenges and local impacts was emphasized, sparking a sense of urgency in me to be more active in this space.

Canadian Perspectives on Arctic Security, where the Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, brought the conversation back to the needs of Nunavut and Nation-to-Nation collaboration was empowering. The Premier spoke about security not just in terms of defence but as a holistic concept that includes food security, dual-use infrastructure, and housing security. His words on the importance of building vibrant, healthy communities echoed many of my own thoughts about the future of Nunavut. The session highlighted the need for Inuit-led governance models that prioritize the wellbeing of our communities in all aspects of security.

These discussions left me reflecting on the work that lies ahead and how important it is for me to listen to these conversations. The Assembly strengthened my passion to continue pursuing higher education and to really listen to what professionals, researchers, and leaders have to say.”

– Alayna Ningeongen, Rankin Inlet, NU

“Polar Dialogue Opening Session, I was struck by the profound insights shared about the Arctic and its critical role in our global landscape. One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of fostering genuine relationships between these diverse stakeholders. Trust is not built overnight; it requires ongoing dialogue, shared experiences, and a commitment to understanding one another’s perspectives. However, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of Indigenous representation in this dialogue, which underscores the critical role that Indigenous people must play in discussions about the Arctic. They are the ones most directly impacted by climate change and other challenges facing the region. Their voices and knowledge are essential, not only for honoring their heritage but also for ensuring that decision-making processes are inclusive and truly reflective of those affected by changes in the Arctic. 

As tensions grow between Arctic and non-Arctic regions, the need for collaboration becomes even more urgent. It’s clear that without mutual respect and understanding, progress on critical issues like climate change and resource management will be hindered. The idea that we must bridge these divides through trust-building resonates deeply, suggesting that the path forward lies in our ability to connect on a human level.

However, I left the session pondering the complexities of political decision-making. How do we translate the values and relationships we cultivate into actionable policies? As Professor Jefferson Cardia Simões aptly pointed out, without addressing underlying value systems we risk stagnation in our efforts. This raises important questions: How can we effectively ground differing perceptions to unify our goals? How can we leverage our collaborative efforts to influence political will?

Indigenous Voices Responding to Changes in the Arctic, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for what I witnessed. The room was full, and the energy was incredible. Each speaker, representing their respective Nations, shared stories that were both inspiring and relatable. They spoke about love, care, and an unwavering determination to advocate for their communities.

I especially enjoyed the film they presented, which beautifully connected us to nature and highlighted the deep relationships Indigenous peoples have with the land. It served as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake as we navigate these changes.

The discussions about how to adapt without losing our roots really resonated with me. The shifts in the Arctic—whether due to climate change or political dynamics—are significant, yet the speakers emphasized the importance of sharing our histories. This act of storytelling fostered understanding and helps bridge gaps in perspective.

A key takeaway for me was the vital role of expressing where we come from. Our stories shape our identities and connections with others. By sharing these narratives, we not only honour our pasts but also engage in conversations about our futures. This panel reinforced the idea that, despite the challenges ahead, the strength of our cultural identities can guide us. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of our roots as we work together to face the future.

Early Career & International Perspectives on Polar Science Policy Linkages, reflecting on the panel I participated in with my fellow SOI delegates and researchers from the UK Polar Network and APECS, I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude. It was truly special to sit around the table with such a diverse group, each of us bringing unique backgrounds and experiences to the conversation about supporting governments in developing science-based policies for the Arctic and beyond. What struck me most was the feeling that our voices really mattered. We were there to share our thoughts and stories, and it felt empowering to know that we were being heard. I left the panel feeling proud of all of us—proud of our presence, our commitment, and the courage to speak up.

One key takeaway for me was just how essential youth panels are. We need to engage with people from different walks of life to share and learn from one another. It’s in these interactions that we grow and find new ways to tackle the challenges we face.

During our discussion, someone posed the question about what advice we’d give to those starting their careers. From my own journey, I shared the best advice I’ve ever received: be curious and don’t be afraid. Don’t hesitate to initiate conversations, ask questions, and reach out to build connections. I’ve learned that many researchers and policymakers genuinely appreciate being approached by youth. Our inquiries can spark meaningful dialogues and help bridge the gap between generations.

The African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” kept echoing in my mind throughout the panel. It perfectly captures the essence of collaboration and community. As we face complex global challenges, it’s crucial that we come together to find solutions.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of collective action. I’m excited to continue fostering these connections and to be part of a community that is dedicated to making a difference. Together, we can truly go far.”

– Pearl Pique Carpina, Whitehorse, YT

“Building Futures: Housing for Sustainable Arctic Communities was The most influential session I attended. Coming from a place where housing is a big issue for all surrounding communities, it was refreshing to see a group of people trying hard to fix issues of renting, owning property, Airbnbs, and much more. I’ve not seen many people in my town actually doing anything to fight the housing crisis, so seeing people from other arctic communities changed my perspective and has given me the voice to try and start fighting for my own home.

Protecting the Arctic – The CCG Marine Environmental & Hazards Response Program. ⁠I hadn’t known anything about how the Canadian Coast Guard works. It was interesting to see how they manage to mitigate the effects of spills and other emergencies that they deal with. It was nice to see a friendly face in Canadian Coast Guard Response Specialist Alysha Wilson-Maksagak speaking on something she’s passionate about. Being Indigenous means I’m more inclined to share the same interests as people I’m comfortable with.

Early Career & International Perspectives on Polar Science Policy Linkages, finally, participating in our session, showed me that it is important as an Indigenous person to speak up and use my voice when it comes to issues like early career development as not a lot of minorities have the technology or resources to advance career-wise. I spoke about utilizing the amazing values that are Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, as I believe they can be used almost everywhere.

Overall, I’m very thankful to have had the opportunity to take part in not only the Arctic Circle Assembly but also the expedition beforehand, which helped me to get to know my fellow colleagues and hear their perspectives on this trip.”

– Taylor Kusugak, Rankin Inlet, NU

Read the full expedition recap here.
Read the full assembly recap here.