Informing Global Policies that Impact Arctic Communities: Why Inuit Matter Globally

Tuesday, June 13
Richcraft Hall, 2nd Floor

4:30-5:00 PM: Pre-event reception (for in-person guests)
5:00-6:00 PM: Lecture
6:00-7:00 PM: Meet the presenter reception (for in-person guests)

Inuit are a circumpolar peoples occupying the land, coast, sea ice and marine regions in 4 states: Chukotka, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Global policies and actions on climate change, biodiversity, marine conservation, shipping and defence implicates community well-being. The actions of Russia in the Ukraine have impacted Inuit from our governance at the Arctic Council, to heightened Arctic security concerns, to an absence of communications with our ICC Inuit family in Chukotka. The confluence of three emergencies — climate change, pollutants and biodiversity loss — severely affects the Arctic environment and its peoples, while the cause and policy solutions lie far to the south. The increase in vessel traffic due to climate change and sea ice loss bring challenges and opportunities that Inuit must proactively prepare for. Through the Inuit Circumpolar Council, Inuit advocate for the changes and policies needed at home and from global capitals, industry and business to ensure healthy Arctic communities and a healthy Arctic environment.

Lisa Koperqualuk

Lisa Qiluqqi Koperqualuk was born in Puvirnituq, Nunavik. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Concordia University and a master’s degree in anthropology from Laval University. Lisa served as the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s Vice President of International Affairs from 2018-2022 before being acclaimed as president at the 14th General Assembly in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik on July 18, 2022. As VP of International Affairs, Lisa focused much of her work in the areas of international shipping regulations successfully leading the ICC to receive provisional consultative status to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where Inuit are the first Indigenous People to be represented under their own status. She works for Inuit interests in self-determination advocating Inuit political and economic autonomy, social justice and protection of the environment, culture and language.

Join us in person or online!

Meet the presenter reception to follow in-person public lecture.

Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Indigenous Policy

Established in 2009, the Katherine A.H. Graham Lecture on Indigenous Policy provides a vehicle for examining a wide range of policy issues, cases, models and tools related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. Under this initiative, the University annually invites a noted leader in the Indigenous community, the non-profit sector, government or business to present a public lecture on Indigenous policy.

Katherine Graham served as Dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2009. This lectureship honours her deep commitment to the sustainability of Indigenous communities through public policy and citizen engagement.

The event takes place annually in June.

Please register