FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anchorage, AK – August 10, 2023
The Arctic Resilient Communities Youth Fellowship (ARCYF), a visionary youth initiative, is pleased to announce an upcoming in-person workshop set to take place in Greenland this month. With a commitment toward building leadership and resiliency in Arctic communities, this immersive experience will bring together twenty dynamic youth leaders from Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
From August 16-24, the Greenland Workshop will commence in Sisimiut at the Greenlandic School of Minerals and Petroleum (KTI), culminating in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this hands-on workshop will explore current themes, including cultural sustainability, responsible Arctic resource development, workforce training, meaningful Indigenous community engagement, and integration of environmental and social considerations of the changing Arctic.
Greenland Workshop in Review
August 17, Sisimiut: Fellows will discuss business investment potential and innovative approaches, focusing on the Arctic Business Forum. The day will also feature local perspectives on community resilience efforts shared by municipal leaders and community members.
August 18, Sisimiut: ARCYF participants will explore the Greenland School of Minerals & Petroleum's (KTI) international courses and apprenticeship programs, vital to building a skilled local workforce for Greenland's growing mining and construction sectors. A learning expedition to Palasi Qaqqa (Mountain of the Priest) will provide a physical connection to the land, and a visit to the Sisimiut Museum will offer insights into Greenlandic trade, industry, and cultural heritage.
August 19, Sisimiut: Discussions will center around capitalizing on Greenland's strategic location and abundant natural resources while prioritizing cultural and environmental sustainability. Strategies to bolster Greenland's economy through environmentally and socially responsible development practices will be discussed.
August 20, Nuuk: Fellows will explore relationships between climate change effects on international politics, governance, commerce, culture, and life in Nuuk. Discussions will spotlight enhancing community resilience in the face of climate-related challenges in the Arctic.
August 21-23, Nuuk: ARCYF participants will meet with representatives of Greenland's Parliament, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and the U.S. Consulate, fostering unity, advocating for rights, and cultivating robust economic ties.
August 23, Nuuk: The Greenland Workshop will end, culminating in discussions, sharing insights, and impactful cultural exchanges that underscore the spirit of the ARCYF initiative.
Recognizing Remarkable Dedication and Local Support
The remarkable success of this workshop owes much to the dedication and tireless efforts of Konkordia (Kunngu) Sørensen Gabriel and her collaboration with business and government sponsors. Konkordia's leadership has paved the way for an extraordinary opportunity for fellows to engage with these community leaders and cultural and knowledge keepers, helping to make a transformative experience.
About ARCYF: Empowering the Arctic Youth
ARCYF's mission is to empower Arctic youth to become leaders in building resilient Arctic communities and advance responsible resource development. Through this unique initiative, the ARCYF organizers envision a future Arctic where:
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Youth voices are appreciated, respected, and welcomed—with their ideas and plans implemented—as people in the northern hemisphere seek solutions to address the opportunities and challenges that result from a rapidly changing Arctic.
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Countries, states, provinces, territories, and communities are encouraged to highlight their commitment to the well-being of the inhabitants of the Arctic, including recognition of the special relationship and unique contributions to the Arctic of Indigenous Peoples and youth combined with ensuring that Indigenous Peoples and communities are engaged and consulted in a meaningful way throughout all phases of Arctic development.
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All Arctic participants recognize the long-term implications of activities in the Arctic Region for Indigenous communities, with an essential focus on social and cultural well-being, food security and sovereignty, economic development, and other matters impacting traditional ways of life.
Fostering Responsible and Inclusive Development
Since its inception in 2022, ARCYF has emerged as a transformative force, offering a paid fellowship to Arctic youth leaders with a multifaceted, hybrid approach, weaving together virtual speaker series, in-person workshops, and personal community resiliency projects. Each facet of this initiative has been designed to address the Arctic’s unique challenges and opportunities.
This year’s program will culminate when ARCYF Fellows reconvene in Vancouver, Canada, November 2-6, 2023. This third in-person workshop will provide a platform for these emerging leaders to showcase their community resiliency projects, strengthen their voices, and underscore their exceptional leadership qualities. A graduation ceremony will be augmented by the attendance of key partners, including Global Affairs Canada, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Institute of the North, and North Star Group.
If you're curious to learn more about their journey and want to see their incredible work, check out https://arcyf.org/, and/or if you’d like to become a partner or request additional information contact info@arcyf.org">info@arcyf.org.
