Antarctica Delegation 2022

Overview

Students on Ice is returning to Antarctica! We are very excited to be sending a Youth Delegation to the Antarctic to explore pressing issues of conservation, climate change, bipolar linkages, and Canada’s role (past, present and future) in Antarctica.

The SOI alumni that make up the delegation come across Canada, from coast to coast to coast, including three SOI staff and a representative from POLAR Knowledge Canada who works on The Antarctic Treaty file for Canada.  POLAR Knowledge Canada has generously provided the bulk of the support to make this Delegation to Antarctica possible.

After gathering in Ottawa for a few days of preparatory meetings, our team will travel across two continents en route to a third one – Antarctica – with stops in Montreal, Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, Argentina.  From Ushuaia, we’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage on their way to the Antarctic Peninsula.  Once in Antarctica, the delegation will be engaged in workshops, meetings, and hands-on experiences that will build a better understanding of why this southernmost continent is a window to the world, a symbol of peace, understanding and conservation, and a cornerstone of the global ecosystem.  Continued international cooperation in Antarctica is so important to the planet, and the SOI team will explore why and how Canada should continue to contribute moving forward, including as a pending Consultative Party in the Antarctic Treaty System.  

The SOI Youth Delegation to Antarctica will be responsible to report back to all SOI alumni around the world, Canadian officials, and the general public with their findings, experiences, thoughts, and recommendations.