From August 17 to 20, 2009, young leaders will converge in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to discuss climate change, share their stories and build their skills. The summit will empower young leaders to tackle the greatest challenge facing the planet — climate change. The four action-packed days will include a mixture of outdoor field trips, indoor lectures and participatory activities.
Media are welcome to attend and report on parts of the youth summit. We have attached a schedule of events for your information. Events where you may find suitable news clips for your organization are highlighted below.
On Monday afternoon we'll have the official welcomes and some of the participants will present on the issues in their regions.
On Monday evening Michael Byers will present the keynote address, "On Thinning Ice: Climate Change, Sovereignty, and the Future of the North." Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. His work focuses on issues of Arctic sovereignty, climate change, the law of the sea, and Canada-U.S. relations. His next book, Who Owns the Arctic, will be published in October 2009.
During the wrap-up sessions on Thursday, participants will prepare their views on the issue of climate change to present to the territorial and federal political bodies. We will have spokespersons from the organizing group and from the participants available for media interviews and for additional background information.
All sessions will be held at the Midnight Sun Recreation Centre in Inuvik, with the exception of Tuesday when participants will be engaged in cultural activities on the land with elders and other local guides.
We do not want the presence of cameras to become a distraction or impediment to the engagement of our participants in the ongoing discussions. Please recognize that not all people are comfortable speaking and working when a camera is aimed at them. Give our young participants the personal space they need to be comfortable and to be engaged with others. The cooperation of the media in this regard is appreciated.
Please confirm with the contacts below if you will be attending and on which days you will be there.
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For more information please visit:
or contact:
Daniel T'seleie
Ecology North
Phone: (867) 873-6019
Email: daniel@ecologynorth.ca
Darcie Matthiessen
Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN)
Phone: (867) 393-9215
Email: Darcie.Matthiessen@cyfn.net
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Members:
Arctic Athabaskan Council
Whitehorse, Yukon
www.arcticathabaskancouncil.com
Gwich'in Council International
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
www.gwichin.org
Ecology North
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
www.ecologynorth.ca
Climate Action Network Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
www.climateactionnetwork.ca
Pembina Institute
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
www.pembina.org
