Grants and Contributions:

Northern Leaders Engaged in Arctic Policy

7473854 P017105001

$1,059,600.00

Jan 23, 2026 - Jul 30, 2028

The Northern Leaders in Arctic Engagement and Policy program is designed to actively engage Arctic and Northern Canadian. Through targeted learning, capacity building, and direct participation opportunities, the program strengthens youth understanding of international Arctic policy while amplifying Northern and Arctic youth voices in global policy spaces. The program is delivered through three complementary components: 1) Arctic Policy Cohorts The program will implement a series of Arctic Policy Cohorts that engage Arctic and Northern Canadian youth through interactive virtual workshops. These cohorts provide foundational and advanced learning on Canadian and international Arctic policy, governance structures, and diplomacy. Youth will build policy literacy, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with experts and peers across the North, creating a pathway into meaningful policy engagement. 2) Youth Policy Delegations to International Arctic Forums The program will support alumni who have already been introduced to Arctic policy by enabling them to apply their knowledge in practice at international Arctic policy conferences and forums. By supporting youth participation as policy delegates, the program ensures Northern and Arctic perspectives are reflected in global discussions while building long term capacity and leadership among emerging youth leaders. 3) Arctic Expedition – 30th Anniversary of the Arctic Council To mark the 30th anniversary of the Arctic Council, SOI delivers a landmark expedition, traveling from Ottawa to Greenland, Nunatsiavut, and Nunavut. The expedition convenes up to 100 participants, including youth (up to 20 Northern youth supported by this project), Indigenous leaders, educators, and Arctic policy experts. Through experiential learning and engagement with Arctic Council practitioners, participants explore Arctic governance, climate change, and sustainable development. Pre expedition virtual workshops and a global communications campaign amplify youth voices during and after the expedition.

Global Affairs Canada

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of Arctic and Northern Canadian youth to engage meaningfully in international Arctic policy and governance processes and increase youth knowledge and understanding of Arctic governance structures, including the role and functioning of the Arctic Council.

GATINEAU, Quebec, CA

064-2025-2026-Q4-0015

Contribution

Grants and Contributions

Not-for-profit organization or charity

Students on Ice, Foundation Fondation des Etudiants sur Glace

Global Arctic Leadership Initiative

The purpose of the Global Arctic Leadership Initiative is to strengthen Canada’s global leadership in the Arctic. These funds are merged with the pre-existing Canadian International Arctic Fund program, in order to inspire a larger and more robust program that supports the achievement of three key objectives of the International Chapter of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (2019): ▪ Bolster Canadian leadership in multilateral forums where polar issues are discussed and decided upon; ▪ Enhance representation and participation of Arctic and northern Canadians in relevant international forums and negotiations; and ▪ Ensure the Canadian Arctic and North and its people are safe, secure and well-defended (operational funding).