Securing a Sustainable Future in the Arctic: Engaging and training the next generation of northern leaders

In recent decades, the Arctic has undergone major environmental, socio-economic and political changes. The rapid loss of Arctic ice is having negative consequences on northern communities and lifestyles, on iconic species such as the polar bear, and is altering the ecology of the Arctic ocean and the permafrost lands. With the majority of the population in Canada's North being under the age of 30, they have an enormous stake in the present state of the North as they will ultimately be responsible for shaping the future of the region. Thus, training such a large generation of young people for active citizenry in a region strained by global warming and other sustainability challenges is critical to the future stability of the North. This paper provides an overview of capacity building programs for northern youth; examines what has worked up to now; identifies the existing gaps and barriers; and makes recommendations on what will be needed in the future.

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