The Friday Files - news to inspire and engage
We are in the Canadian Arctic this week, metaphorically speaking, on a journey that started with inspiration from the Native Womens' Association of Canada. We took them to heart when they said, "Change requires action and education." We think our Arctic Expedition scholar Emma Denton personifies this spirit of sharing learnings. Emma says she has been changed by the education she received through her Students on Ice expedition to the Canadian Arctic, funded by Canada-UK Foundation supporters — and she's taking action to pass that first-hand Canadian knowledge along in her UK network. Emma has been doing speaking engagements in schools, sharing her experience of the Canadian Arctic.
Next week, Emma will be live in conversation with Devon Manik, a 19-year-old Inuk from Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Like Emma, Devon was an alum of SOI's Arctic 2019 expedition, where the two forged a solid friendship. Devon represents a generation of youth who are helping to revitalise Inuit culture among younger generations and Emma is tapping into his experience.
Devon Manik and Emma Denton. Image courtesy of Students on Ice
The young scholars will be discussing their views about revitalising Inuit culture among younger generations and how some of the challenges can be supported. Speaking of her Arctic experience, Emma told us, "The opportunity to go to the Arctic was an eye-opening experience. It has enhanced my education by making me highly conscious of the issues impacting the biodiversity and people there, including the changes being brought about by climate change and the need for immediate action. Our expedition to the Arctic is still a huge influence in my daily life also. I find myself thinking about how the ice feels in the salty water. The echoes of women throat singing on the ship. And the friends that I have formed genuine and heart-touching connections with during that journey. I can truly thank the Canada-UK Foundation for sending me on the Students on Ice expedition. I hope they get many many more applicants and supporters who help make the expeditions possible!"
A shoutout also goes to SSI Canada who have made Emma and Devin's interview possible. To tune in for Emma's interview, please click here to register on SOI's Facebook page. For more information on Canada-UK Foundation Arctic programmes, please be in touch.
Visit the Arctic, in London. Now that the British Museum has reopened, you must not miss their next exhibition, "Arctic: culture and climate", on view from 22 October. We are very pleased that the Canadian Arctic features prominently in the exhibit, and includes representation from the Canadian indigenous peoples of the Teetl'it Gwich'in such as Martha Snowshoe, a Fort McPherson, NWT artist.
Arctic scientists have warned that the accelerated melting of the Polar ice cap risks triggering 19 “tipping points” in the region that could have catastrophic consequences around the globe affecting everyone’s livelihoods and future generations. At a time when we, as individuals, may be frustrated about climate change, and wonder how we can make a difference, it is arguably more important than ever that we educate ourselves about the real and actual impacts of our climate on the Arctic. Whether this is through listening to young people like Emma and Devon, or visiting a British Museum exhibit, the first step in any journey of change is knowledge and education.
For more information about the British Museum's Arctic exhibition, please visit the exhibition's website here, or be in touch with us for potential complementary tickets.
This week, we introduce you to Wanda Hamilton, CEO of the Canada-UK Foundation and advisor to the Canada Memorial Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Wanda was CEO of AMD Alliance International, Group Director at RNIB, and Director of Development at United Way. She also says she owes much to a former boss, the redoubtable Flora MacDonald, as a woman of great influence early in her career. Wanda completed a degree in Law at Carleton University, and, in 2019, was named in the Financial Times as one of the UK's "50 Leading Lights," women leading business change through kindness. She completed the University of Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme and was more recently recognised as an Outstanding Alumna in honour of having applied Oxford learnings to leading social change in the charitable sector. When she's not working, you'll find Wanda on Canada's northern Gulf Islands with her much-loved family, in the gym, or behind her husband on a bike tour! You are warmly welcomed to connect with Wanda for discussion on issues of mutual interest.