Prince George, BC – UNBC is proving once again to be a leading centre for northern research as it prepares to host two major international Arctic conferences. The 17th Annual Council Meeting of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) will run May 20 and 21, with the 8th International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences (ICASS VIII) following from May 22 to 26.

Organizers of the UArctic and ICASS conferences. Download the high resolution image

The University of the Arctic Annual Council Meeting

UArctic is a cooperative network of northern universities, colleges, and other organizations dedicated to education, research, and the promotion of indigenous and local capacities and sustainable development in the circumpolar North. With more than 130 member institutions and organizations spanning 24 time zones in the eight Arctic countries and beyond, UArctic is the North’s only truly circumpolar higher education institution and one of the world’s largest education and research networks.

“The University of the Arctic plays a critical role in the building of educational capacity in northern communities throughout the circumpolar north,” says Gary Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science and the Coordinator of UNBC’s Northern Studies Program. “It also provides educational opportunities to students based at southern institutions to learn more about the issues and challenges facing northern and Arctic regions.”

The Annual Council Meeting will attract representatives from many of UArctic’s member organizations. Its main objective is to provide them with an opportunity to discuss the programming and future direction of this important and innovative educational institution.

For more information, visit the conference website at http://resweb.res.unbc.ca/uarctic2014/index.htm

International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences (ICASS VIII)​

ICASS VIII is the leading international conference for research in the social sciences and humanities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The theme of ICASS VIII is Northern Sustainabilities. Sessions will highlight the economic, environmental, cultural, social and political dimensions of sustainability in the circumpolar north. Topics include food and energy security, corporate social responsibility, climate change, good governance, health promotion, language retention, and resource development.

The meeting will attract more than 450 delegates, including academics, indigenous leaders, government officials, and industry from 26 countries.

“The Arctic and Subarctic are experiencing profound transformations — culturally, socially, economically, and politically as well as environmentally,” says Dr. Gail Fondahl, a Geography professor and president of the International Arctic Social Sciences Association. “Addressing these changes, whether through adaptation, mitigation or enhancing the benefits of opportunities provided by such transformations, requires creative contributions from a range of social science disciplines.”

While sessions are limited to conference registrants, ICASS VIII brings several activities to Prince George for the general public:

• Congress attendees will give talks in several School District 57 classes about the changing social and environmental landscapes in the Arctic/North.
• From the North, a concert by the Prince George Conservatory of Music, will be presented on Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Canfor Theatre (Tickets $15).
• A public showing of Romance of the Far Fur Country, a film made, and recently restored, for the 250th Anniversary of the Hudson’s Bay Company, will be presented, with discussion by historian Peter Geller and filmmakers Kevin Nikkel, and Iqaluit community member Elisapee Davidee-Aningmiuq on May 24 at 7 p.m. in Room 7-212.
• Artist Judith DesBrisay, will exhibit Polar Perceptions, beginning May 20 and running until May 26 at the UNBC Rotunda Art Gallery.
• The First Nations Centre will host a Drumming Circle on Saturday, May 24 at the UNBC Gathering place, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the conference website at http://resweb.res.unbc.ca/icass2014/