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**please note that not all presentations are available either because of proprietary information or because the speaker has chosen not share publicly.

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Opening Remarks

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Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik, Gwich'in Tribal Council

Mayor Clarence Wood, Town of Inuvik

Minister R.J Simpson, Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories 

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Opening Keynote Address: Uncertain Futures: Indigenous and Northern Futures in Chaotic Times

The world is changing rapidly: climate change, mass migration, rapid urbanization, and intense technological innovation.  Where do northern and indigenous communities fit in this chaotic and unpredictable world?  Present trajectories point to welfare dependency, outmigration, and over-reliance on government investment. This presentation considers ways that indigenous and northern communities can challenge this pattern and can produce more prosperous and autonomous economic futures.  

 

Ken Coates,  Program Chair, Indigenous Governance, Yukon University

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Session 1: Indigenous Leadership, Circumpolar Governance & Sovereignty

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Introduction

Sara Olsvig, International Chair, Inuit Circumpolar Council

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Panel Presentation: A New Generation of Indigenous and Circumpolar Governance

 

Through a rich exchange of experiences and visions, this panel aims to inspire and inform attendees about the vital contributions of the new generation of Indigenous leaders. It will underscore the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, the mentorship of elders, and the development of partnerships that honor and uplift Indigenous governance principles.

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James Ross, Teetl'it Gwich'in First Nation Member

Alyssa Carpenter, Western Arctic Youth Collective (WAYC)

Kyla LeSage, Outreach Coordinator, Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning​

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Session 2: Innovation and Opportunities in the Northern Agrifood sector

 

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion on innovation and opportunity in the northern Agrifood sector. Hear from experts in government, research, education, and the Agrifood industry as they share their insights on the latest trends and opportunities.  Discover how sustainable agriculture practices, technological advancements, and collaborative partnerships are shaping the future of food production in the North. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore new possibilities for growth and success in the Agrifood industry.

 

Janet Dean, Executive Director, Territorial Agrifood Association 

Presentation

Sonny Gray, CEO, North Star Agriculture

Tom Henheffer, CEO, Arctic Rsearch Foundation - Naurvik Project

Lilith Brook, Manager, Agriculture and Fisheries- Industry, Tourism and Investment, GNWT

Alissa Sallans, Manager, Inuvik Community Greenhouse

Kim Neider, Horticulturalist, Upernarviarsuk Experimental Farm

Clara Meinertz, Self Sufficiency and Nature Policy Officer, Naalakkersuisut, Government of Greenland

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Session 3: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Living

 

This engaging session aims to inspire, educate, and challenge conventional approaches to sustainability, providing a platform for visionary ideas that can transform our way of life. It promises to be an enlightening experience, filled with practical insights and forward-thinking ideas that can help shape a sustainable future. Whether you're an industry professional, a policymaker, or simply passionate about sustainability, this panel will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to drive meaningful change in your community and beyond.

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Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament, Government of Canada

Klaus Dohring, President, Green Sun Rising Inc

Peter Clarkson

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Keynote: Cabin Radio's Two Apocalypses

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Learn how the NWT's newest newsroom made it through last year's wildfires and collected a national journalism award in the process – plus how Cabin Radio is navigating a separate apocalypse facing the news industry as advertising sources dwindle and Meta bans news from Facebook and Instagram.

 

Ollie Williams, Editor, Cabin Radio

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Session 4: Northern Energy Solutions

 

Carl Ozyer, Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada

Gage Preece, Operations Manager, Earthrise Building Services 

Marjolaine Chevet, Energy Community Liaison, NWT Association of Communities

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Plenary Presentation: How can Arctic Communities face new realities

 

Mkhabela Masuku, Regional Economic Development Officer, The Sahtu Secretariat Inc.​

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Session 5: Building the Future: Innovations and Challenges in Northern Infrastructure Development

 

This panel will explore the current state and future prospects of infrastructure development in Northern regions. It will address the unique challenges posed by the geographical, climatic, and economic conditions of the North and highlight innovative solutions and future projects that aim to foster sustainable growth and connectivity in these areas.

 

Alexander Love, Chief Projects and Engineering Officer, Northwest Territories Power Corporation

Deanna Cornfield, General Manager, Northern Lights GP, Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link

Roy Erasmus Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Gwich'in Development Corporation

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