Antarctic Delegation Reflective Blog: Da Chen

Where do I start? Overwhelming, emotional, magical. I felt so many different feelings and emotions throughout this journey to Antarctica and there are many moments when I feel numb and speechless about this place and the responsibilities I have to this delegation and as a Canadian citizen. 

As a delegation, we were looking to explore areas like Canada’s potential role in becoming a Consultative Party member of The Antarctic Treaty and the North-South connections that Canada can potentially bring to the conservation of the Antarctic. Through conversations with my fellow delegates, I was able to develop some answers to these questions that align with my personal experience, and that I hope our federal government will consider moving forward as it develops an Antarctic research program.

I want to preface by recognizing that I am not an expert on The Antarctic Treaty System or polar politics, and there is much that I do not know, so some of my observations or understandings of the Treaty may be inadequate. With this said, I have three key thoughts on all the overarching questions and feelings I have experienced.

Firstly, from all the meetings our SOI delegation had with the Secretariat of The Antarctic Treaty System, the Canadian Ambassador and his team in Argentina, a meeting with researchers in Ushuaia, and a representative with International Association of Antarctica Tour Operator (IAATO), I was a taken aback by the problems I saw with a consensus-based model approach used during the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) with urgent issues. Through many of our meetings, we were told about the effective governance and uniqueness of The Antarctic Treaty and that it was able to navigate the challenging geo-political landscape of the Cold War and secure peace, protection and scientific research in Antarctica. However, I believe it’s important to recognize that what worked in the past may not be effective to address the pressing issues of the present such as climate change and the destruction of the marine environment. With a consensus-based model currently used during ATCM, any proposed solutions would require time and compromise that we cannot afford. 

Secondly, the north-south connections to me initially felt like an attempt to use the Indigenous knowledge of the North as a way to expand Canada’s position in the Antarctic and I felt uneasy about this as Canada does not have a positive history in the North with the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Many problems still exist and we as a country are still going through our journey of Truth and Reconciliation.  I personally feel uneasy with any potential hints at using Indigenous knowledge in Antarctica. However, at the same time, I believe there are enough lessons and ideas that have been shared with Canadians over the years that cannot only contribute to the conservation of Antarctica but also improve our connection to the land. It’s important to recognize that there is more than one worldview or value in our world. Oftentimes, mainstream society takes on a western-centric scientific worldview, where science is objective and unbiased without recognizing that inherent biases already exist. Taking a step back and with humility might help with understanding the different worldviews, such as an Indigenous worldview. We can and should reevaluate our connection and relationship with the Earth, be it in Antarctica or in Canada, and look to improve our relationship with the land. Canada has an opportunity to bring these important lessons to the conservation of Antarctica, but it first requires Canada and Canadians to look within and follow through on our journey of Truth and Reconciliation. We should not work in an unequal or extractive relationship with the land but rather work with the land and understand different worldviews as we work towards a better future.

Thirdly, Canada can possibly bring its history of multiculturalism to the table. Not the symbolic surface level diversity we often speak of, rather the deeper, real opportunities and collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds. As an immigrant to Canada, I experienced both the challenges and possibilities of Canada, with challenges ranging from the racism we often face, conflicting cultural values, language barriers and many other things that prevent many immigrants from truly being accepted by Canada. These challenges still exist, and it requires Canada to reevaluate its relationship with minorities and work towards improving it. However, at the same time, it is also important to recognize that Canada also represents and provides opportunities for people like myself. As an immigrant to this country, I was privileged to be able to be part of many amazing opportunities, such as an SOI delegation to Chile, an expedition to the Arctic, and now Antarctica, and learning from so many amazing people of diverse backgrounds. In recognizing this uniqueness of Canada, we can see how Canada can support the ATCM in this regard. The Antarctic Treaty has often been described as successful in maintaining the peace and balance of Antarctica for decades, however, the only way for it to be better is through constant reevaluation and improvement. The current Consultative Parties to The Antarctic Treaty are a global community with diverse backgrounds and history. What Canada can offer to this group is our history and challenges of being and co-existing with people from different backgrounds. I believe that when Canada becomes a Consultative Member of The Antarctic Treaty, it will be in a better position to share these lessons and learning with others in the protection and conservation of Antarctica.

Now, those are my thoughts regarding the broader questions related to Canada and The Antarctic Treaty. But at the same time, I also grappled with similar struggles as part of this delegation.

“…I also see the possibilities that exist and how our country – and world – can be better if we only listen more and talk less.”
– Da Chen, Antarctic Delegate

Everyone on the delegation had their unique perspective, be it science, art, education and many others. Looking at myself, I didn’t initially understand what I could bring to the delegation. I guess in a way, I felt similar about myself as I did about Canada being a part of ATCM; uncertain.  With more time with others on the delegation, I did see what I can bring to the table. I have a unique experience working in Indigenous relations during my time at Parks Canada and Transport Canada, I have experiences working with other youth on marine conservation projects in a non-scientific approach. I see the challenges as a non-Indigenous person in how Canada is grappling with its Treaty obligations and working with Indigenous people, but I also see the possibilities that exist and how our world and country can be better if we only listen more and talk less. I also feel that my experience as an immigrant growing up in Canada provides that unique lens of a different worldview and perspectives that the delegation can benefit from. From our chats with the researchers in Ushuaia, Cristian mentioned how there are different perspectives between the Global North and Global South when it comes to the questions of Antarctica and I feel that my background as a Chinese-Canadian immigrant, I can bring about the view and lived experiences that others do not have which can help with the delegation’s purpose.

In this sense, I see myself similar to Canada, we both grappled with challenges in being part of a unique and diverse group, we both have our inherent flaws and challenges but when taking a step back, we both offer unique possibilities that can complement the goals and visions of both my delegation and The Antarctic Treaty as a whole.