University of Toronto
In a landmark agreement for northern health research, ICHR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Toronto in January 2010. Susan Chatwood and Stephanie Fox have been recognized as Assistant Professors of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Associate Members of the School of Graduate Studies. These affiliations recognize ICHR’s role in advising and supervising graduate students and conducting research which conforms to high standards of research integrity. This partnership could not have been possible without the sustained efforts and support of ICHR’s mentor, advisor, and friend, Dr. Kue Young.
International Association of Circumpolar Health Publishers
Along with various societies, university departments, and institutes, ICHR is a member of the International Association of Circumpolar Health Publishers that produces the International Journal of Circumpolar Health and Circumpolar Health Supplements. From 2009 and 2010, ICHR worked closely with IACHP on the Proceedings for the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health and will be publishing a regular series of data briefs for the journal.
Greenland Institute for Circumpolar Health Research
In November 2009 in Nuuk, Greenland, the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR) in Canada and the Greenland Institute for Circumpolar Health Research (GIHR) signed a MoU that formally launched sister ICHR organizations for Canada and Greenland. This new voluntary, non-monetary association brings together allied research interests from two circumpolar regions, and expands their respective roles in advancing health research in circumpolar regions.
The MoU builds on shared perspectives and common interests in the study of circumpolar populations and will enhance opportunities for knowledge translation and study logistics in circumpolar health research due to proximity to stakeholders and partners. The Institutes look forward to working together in this mutually enriching partnership.
Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health
The Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health (CSCH) is a charitable membership-based organization dedicated to promoting research, exchanging knowledge and fostering greater awareness and responsiveness to the health issues of circumpolar people. The CSCH also promotes and supports efforts of all circumpolar peoples in the attainment of better health.
Established in 1984, CSCH became a charter member of the International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH) in 1986. Other members of the IUCH include the American Society for Circumpolar Health; the Nordic Society for Arctic Medicine; the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences; and the Danish/Greenlandic Society for Circumpolar Health. As one of the core adhering bodies of the IUCH, the CSCH is actively involved with the planning and organizing of the International Congress for Circumpolar Health held every three years.
In recognition of the leadership role played by ICHR in organizing the 2009 Congress in Yellowknife, Susan Chatwood was elected president of the society with ICHR assuming its core administrative and membership duties. Since then, ICHR staff have actively maintained the CSCH membership list, implemented an online registration gateway, updated the website (csch.ca), and prepared and published the semi-annual “Gazetteer” newsletter.
In February 2011 and April 2012, ICHR arranged for CSCH to hold its general meetings in Ottawa and Montreal respectively.
