UNBC to host Arctic events

UNBC will be hosting two conferences on the Arctic next week.

The University of the Arctic annual council meeting will run Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences from May 22-26.

With more than 130 member institutions, the University of the Arctic is one of the world's largest education and research networks while the International Congress of Arctic Social Sciences is "the leading international conference for research in the social sciences and humanities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions" and the theme of this year's edition 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.

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 and 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 Saturday, May 24 at 7 p.m. in Room 7-212.

- Artist Judith DesBrisay, will exhibit Polar Perceptions, beginning Tuesday, May 20 and running until Monday, 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.