Blog Contributor: Samantha Witkowski
Embarking on a journey to the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, in the heart of winter, proved to be a frosty yet rewarding experience for Amanda Smits, myself, and our team at the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. The primary purpose of our trip was to foster connections with our esteemed partners at the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and to host three impactful events.
Day 1: The Chill of -40°C and Strategic Planning
Our adventure began on a bone-chilling Monday, January 8th, as Amanda and I landed in Yellowknife amidst a temperature of -40 degrees Celsius. After taking a day to acclimate and meet with our lead partner from the GNWT, Vincent Casey, we strategically planned the week ahead, ensuring every detail was in place for our series of events.
Day 2: A Thought-Provoking Sustainability Seminar
The highlight of day two was our Sustainability Seminar panel discussion, centered around preserving culture in the face of a changing climate. Four insightful panelists, Nicole Lawson, Frank McKay, Jason McNeill, and Vincent Casey, shared their perspectives on this topic, engaging in a genuine and impactful conversation. Broadcasting the discussion back to Master and PhD students at Brock and the general public amplified the reach of the event, making it a resounding success. Click the link here to watch this informative seminar on the ESRC YouTube channel.
Day 3: Course Feedback Session and Culinary Delights
On the third day we hosted a feedback session for the “Introduction to Northern Climate Resilience” pilot course, co-created with the GNWT as part of the broader Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Certificate program. Learners joined us in-person and online to share about their experience in the course, which ran for a period of six week between October and December 2023. The positive feedback from learners, combined with constructive insights, provided valuable input for shaping future course offerings. Following the session, in-person participants were treated to a delectable catered lunch by a local restaurant, Sun Dogs, allowing for informal networking and relationship building.
Day 4: Second Course Launch and Exploring Yellowknife
The fourth day marked the launch of our final event – an exciting course launch! The “Ways to Engage” course is our second co-created course with the GNWT, and focuses on working together for the environment and how to frame the uncertainty that accompanies collaborative engagement. The course specifically considers community engagement through a northern lens, specifically drawing upon multiple perspectives, knowledge systems, and experiences. Course learners gathered in-person and online for the course launch session, where they were able to meet one another and learn about the course in greater detail. The course officially started on January 15th and runs for six weeks, until the end of February.
On day four we also explored more of Yellowknife with Vincent Casey, taking in the breathtaking views, learning more about the local cuisine, and witnessing the construction of a snow castle on the frozen Yellowknife Bay, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake – a testament to the unique experiences Yellowknife has to offer!
Day 5: Farewells and Gratitude
Our final day took us to the GNWT offices to bid farewell and express our sincere appreciation to our partners. The trip not only allowed us to host successful events but also provided a profound learning experience, deepening our understanding of the Northwest Territories. We left with stronger connections, cherished memories, and a greater appreciation for the remarkable region we were fortunate to explore.
Our work trip to Yellowknife was more than just a professional endeavor—it was an immersive journey into the heart of the Northwest Territories, leaving us inspired, enlightened, and eager to continue our collaborative efforts and return again in the future.
