Students on Ice, Foundation Fondation des Etudiants sur Glace

Purpose

The Northern Leaders in Arctic Engagement and Policy program is designed to actively engage Arctic and Northern Canadian. Through targeted learning, capacity building, and direct participation opportunities, the program strengthens youth understanding of international Arctic policy while amplifying Northern and Arctic youth voices in global policy spaces. The program is delivered through three complementary components: 1) Arctic Policy Cohorts The program will implement a series of Arctic Policy Cohorts that engage Arctic and Northern Canadian youth through interactive virtual workshops. These cohorts provide foundational and advanced learning on Canadian and international Arctic policy, governance structures, and diplomacy. Youth will build policy literacy, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with experts and peers across the North, creating a pathway into meaningful policy engagement. 2) Youth Policy Delegations to International Arctic Forums The program will support alumni who have already been introduced to Arctic policy by enabling them to apply their knowledge in practice at international Arctic policy conferences and forums. By supporting youth participation as policy delegates, the program ensures Northern and Arctic perspectives are reflected in global discussions while building long term capacity and leadership among emerging youth leaders. 3) Arctic Expedition – 30th Anniversary of the Arctic Council To mark the 30th anniversary of the Arctic Council, SOI delivers a landmark expedition, traveling from Ottawa to Greenland, Nunatsiavut, and Nunavut. The expedition convenes up to 100 participants, including youth (up to 20 Northern youth supported by this project), Indigenous leaders, educators, and Arctic policy experts. Through experiential learning and engagement with Arctic Council practitioners, participants explore Arctic governance, climate change, and sustainable development. Pre expedition virtual workshops and a global communications campaign amplify youth voices during and after the expedition.