Newly published January 2012

Publisher’s Summary

An international conference is being organized by the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research on October 31, 2011 to celebrate the inauguration of the Statistics Canada branch research data centre (RDC) in Yellowknife, the first to be established north of 60º and outside a university.

The conference will feature international experts from circumpolar countries and regions to discuss existing health data sources and how they can be managed and utilized to improve population health and health systems performance.

The proposed program will include the opening of the Statistics Canada Regional Data Centre at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Conference themes include:

• metrics, health systems, and health policy
• circumpolar health data sources and applications

For more information, please contact:

• Susan Chatwood, susan.chatwood@ichr.ca
• Kue Young, kue.young@utoronto.ca

or visit:

• metrics.circumpolarhealth.org

November 22-23, 2011
Yellowknife, NT

In 2011, the Social Economy Research Network of Northern Canada will be convening a final Northern Summit on the Social Economy from November 22 to 23 at Northern United Place in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Over the last five years, these gatherings have provided participants from all over the North with a forum to share research information, engage in public discussions, and broach a variety of topics relevant to the needs of local social economy organizations. Past gatherings have been held in Inuvik, Iqaluit, Whitehorse, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

This summit will also be the last opportunity for SERNNoCa to convene its pan-Northern network as it winds down its activities in early 2012.

Further details about registration and the agenda will be published on the NWT nodal website in the coming months.

If you are interested in being part of a panel discussion or meeting and strategizing with other groups, please contact us at:

Tel: 867.873.9337 | Email: info@social-economy.net

Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC) is the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary, multi-sector national forum on science, technology and innovation policy in Canada. Building upon this mandate and the immense success of last fall’s CSPC 2010 in Montreal and CSPC 2009 in Toronto, which was hailed by Nature Magazine as “one of the signs of hope in Canadian science policy”, we are pleased to present the CSPC 2011.

CSPC 2011 will provide a unique opportunity for various science policy stakeholders to get together at the national level to network and discuss the present and the future of science policy in Canada, a future based on a strong and dynamic science policy community that projects an innovative Canada for all Canadians.
This year’s themes will include:

• Science, Politics and Culture in Canada
• Enabling Private Sector Innovation
• Exploring the True North: Reflections on Northern Science Policy
• Special Focus: International Year of Chemistry
• Major Issues In Canadian Science Policy
• Special Optional Workshops, such as “The Nuts and Bolts of Science Policy”

Under the motto of “Building Bridges for the Future of Science Policy”, and with over 500 people expected to attend this year’s conference, CSPC 2011 will provide an ideal opportunity for participants to develop innovative policy solutions, contribute in establishing a national and inclusive dialogue among various sectors of science policy, learn more about the most important issues in science, technology, and innovation policy, and network with others across the community.

Who Should Attend:

The Canadian Science Policy Conference is an ideal event for:

• researchers across all sectors
• industrial R&D managers and senior management from the private sector
• government policy-makers (federal, territorial, provincial, and local)
• research granting agencies and funding bodies
• non-governmental organizations
• writers and journalists
• communications and government relations professionals
• scientific associations
• students and trainees

We hope to see you there!

Visit www.cspc2011.ca for more information.

Cambridge Bay youth complete first-ever pilot of made-in-Nunavut Makimautiksat Youth Wellness and Empowerment Camp

In February 2010, the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre received 4-year funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada for a program of research entitled Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellness Research, Intervention, and Community Advocacy in Nunavut. One of the components of this program is an evidence-based youth wellness and empowerment camp that is rooted in Inuit knowledge and values, skill-building, and community strength.

The Makimautiksat Youth Wellness and Empowerment Camp has been undergoing its first pilot in Cambridge Bay June 30-July 13, 2011. The camp is taking place in Cambridge Bay in partnership with a creative and dynamic team from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association which includes Sarah Jancke, Julia Ogina and Ann Klengenberg, and Jennifer Noah from the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Iqaluit. The camp graduation will be taking place at 1:30pm at the community hall in Cambridge Bay on July 13, and all members of the community are welcome to come out and celebrate their accomplishments.

A youth camp made by Nunavummiut for Nunavummiut

Youth camps are a well-known part of life in Nunavut. Many youth camp facilitators in Nunavut identified their need for a Nunavut-specific camp curriculum to help promote positive experiences; skills for coping; and opportunities for creative and innovative expression during. The evidence-based Makimautiksat Youth Wellness and Empowerment Camp is the result of 1.5 years of consultation with youth, parents, youth workers, service providers, and community members around Nunavut. What makes this program different from other camp programs is that it is evidence-based and it will undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure it meets the needs of youth in our communities. It is also developed, delivered, and informed by Nunavut community members.

Makimautiksat focuses on wellness, skill-building, community strength, and pride in Inuit identity

The learning modules focus on fostering healthy personal and community relationships; improving coping skills; increasing awareness of the body, movement & nutrition; exploring creativity; self discovery and future planning; promoting healthy choices (combating peer pressure & substance abuse), and celebrating Inuit culture. The 10-day camp takes place both in the community and on the land. A combination of learning approaches have been incorporated into the camp program including group discussions, individual reflection, activity-based learning, role-playing, learning from and sharing with elders, skill practice, and more.

One part of a 4-part project focusing on Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellness in Nunavut

The Makimautiksat Camp is one part of a 4-component project currently underway at the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre focusing on Child and Youth Mental Health and Wellness in Nunavut. The other components include primary research with youth using participatory photovoice research methods; health services research; and developing and piloting an evidence-based parenting support program for Nunavummiut that is rooted in Inuit values and beliefs related to childrearing.

What is the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre?

The Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre is an independent community research centre located in Iqaluit, NU. Our goal is to enable health research to be conducted locally, by Nunavummiut, and with communities in a supportive, safe, culturally-sensitive and ethical environment, as well as promote a model where both Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit knowledge) and western science knowledge is used to address health concerns, create healthy environments, and improve the health of Nunavummiut. Qaujigiartiit has been in operation for 5 years and is governed by a board of directors that includes Nunavut Tungavik Inc, the Dept. of Health and Social Services, the Nunavut Research Institute, a representative of a hamlet health committee, youth, and community members.

For More Information:

Gwen Healey, Executive Director, Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre,
987-B Qikiqtani Drive, Iqaluit, NU 867-975-2476 gwen.healey@qhrc.ca

OR

Joey Evalik, Communications Coordinator, Kitikmeot Inuit Association
Cambridge Bay, NU 867-983-2458 joeyevalik@qiniq.com

Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S.
Fairbanks, Alaska

Application deadline: Sunday, 10 July 2011 at 5:00 p.m. AKDT

For further information, please go to:
http://www.arcus.org/arcus/jobs

——————–
The Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S. (ARCUS) seeks applications to the position of Education Project Manager. This position provides professional project management to the education programs of ARCUS and reports to the Executive Director. The position will be located in Fairbanks, Alaska.

ARCUS is a nonprofit consortium of universities concerned with arctic research and education. This position primarily focuses on PolarTREC, a program that pairs K-12 teachers with researchers to improve science education through polar teacher research experiences. This position works with the ARCUS Executive Director, PolarTREC Principal Investigator, other ARCUS staff, advisory committees, and other relevant individuals and organizations.

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and application (available at: http://www.arcus.org/arcus/arcus_pdf/arcus_app.pdf) to:

Susan E. Fox, Executive Director
ARCUS
3535 College Road – Suite 101
Fairbanks, AK 99709
Fax: 907-474-1604
Email: fox@arcus.org
No phone calls, please.

Application deadline: Sunday, 10 July 2011 at 5:00 p.m. AKDT.

Dechinta Land-­Based University Partnership Development Grant

A PhD Student is required for a 1-3 year commitment to assist with tasks and activities associated with a SSHRC-funded research project focused on developing an institutional structure for a land- based university. Students with research interests and background in the areas of Indigenous education and governance, decolonization theory and methodologies, policy analysis, institutional development, Northern studies, cultural anthropology, public health, development studies, and indigenous research methods are encouraged to apply.

Dechinta land-based university is located at Blachford Lake Lodge, 220km east of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on the traditional territory of the Yellowknives Dene. The program blends land based cultural activities and knowledge with university courses accredited by university partners. Courses are co-taught by Indigenous knowledge holders and university professors. The purpose of the program is to provide students with a university level learning experience grounded in Indigenous cosmologies and cultural practice.

The PhD Student will be expected to assist the principal investigator with developing the institutional model for Dechinta through:

1. Conducting on-site evaluative research of Dechinta course delivery and institutional practices;
2. Researching and developing land-based university curricula, and co-teaching a Dechinta course with a land-based knowledge expert; and,
3. Assisting with administrative duties related to the research project.

Expectations associated with this position will be identified through a work plan and be consistent with SSHRC guidelines for research student funding. Remuneration for this position is $15,000.00 per year.

CLOSING DATE: June 10, 2011

For further information about Dechinta: dechinta.ca

Please direct inquiries to:

Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, PhD
Principal Investigator, Dechinta Partnership Development Grant
Email: sirlbach@ualberta.ca

Send resumes with a cover letter and names of three references (2 academic, one work experience) to:

Kyla Kakfwi Scott
Program Manager, Dechinta
Email: dechinta.research@gmail.com

Project Overview

Effective, culturally relevant educational programming in Northern Canada has proven elusive at all levels of the educational system. At the post-secondary level, Northern colleges provide essential vocational training, but they rely on partnerships with southern universities to provide some access to degree programs to northern students unable to leave the North. Canada remains the only circumpolar country without a Northern-based university. The need for a well-educated northern population is great, and growing. Faced with unique challenges ranging from climate change and Arctic sovereignty to Indigenous social, economic and political development, the future of North will depend on the capacity of residents to think critically and act wisely in the stewardship of Northern lands and resources.

Dechinta Bush University is based on the vision and commitment of a group of Northern based scholars and southern university supporters seeking to establish a Northern university that draws on Northern strengths: Indigenous cultures, connection to the land, and the necessity for innovating to address unique northern circumstances. This project will see up to 225 graduate students receiving instruction through land-based hands on learning from up to 90 academic instructors and land-based experts in bush-camp settings, supported by several well-established southern universities and Northern Aboriginal, cultural and research organizations.

The partnership will assist in establishing an institutional structure for a permanent Northern land- based university program targeting Northern and Indigenous students who would otherwise be unwilling or unable to attend a university program in the south. The program will speak directly to the needs and aspirations of both students and Northern communities: its aim is to produce a cohort of Northern Indigenous students positioned to respond to their community needs through the unique training they will receive at Dechinta.

Conceptualized on a tutoring/apprenticeship pedagogical approach strongly influenced by critical Indigenous educational methodologies, Dechinta will offer an environment where Indigenous cultural skills and knowledge will provide the basis for developing twenty university-accredited courses. The plethora of issues facing the North today – from climate change to self government – require that decision and policy makers working in communities are increasingly required to function effectively across a range of knowledge sectors.

Small Indigenous communities are beginning to achieve wide-ranging powers to govern under land claims and self-government agreements, at the same time that they are struggling to overcome effects of colonization and face global challenges. Tomorrow’s leaders and policy-makers face a complexity of information assimilation and decision-making unparalleled in history. Communities are increasingly relying on their cultural confidence in their Indigenous knowledge as a source of strength and guidance in making decisions. As these communities achieve a level of self-government, they are anxious to see their children acquire the education and skills necessary to replace the transient non-Indigenous population currently predominant among the decision-making elite. Dechinta represents an opportunity to share in building a unique land-based learning experience that will stand as a model approach to Indigenous and Northern education throughout the circumpolar world.

Homelessness in Yellowknife: An Emerging Social Challenge

MAY 26TH, 2011
Yellowknife City Hall (Council Chambers)

All are welcome!

9:00am

NICK FALVO and ARLENE HACHÉ present findings of a multi-year research study looking at homelessness in Yellowknife.

10:30am

PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING

• J. MICHAEL MILTENBERGER (invited)
  Minister Responsible for Homelessness
• WENDY BISARO
  MLA for Frame Lake
• AMANDA MALLON
  Co-Chair, Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition
• DR. DAVID PONTIN
  ER Physician, Stanton Territorial Hospital

Download flyer

The Annual Meeting of INCHR will take place on June 14-15 (1.5 days) at the premises of the Institute of Management and Technological Training (POHTO), located by the sea about 4.5 km from the Oulu city centre.

As in 2010, the INCHR meeting and scientific sessions will take place in between the 1.5 day courses of the Summer Institute of Circumpolar Health Research (SICHR), from 13-14 June to 16-17 June on Contaminants and Human Health, and Risk Communications.

A Sami Health Workshop is also being held in conjunction with the meeting.

For more information, visit the meeting website at: arctichealth.oulu.fi/suomi/INCHR.html