1st Annual Iqaluit Arctic Security Conference
The Real Life Institute convenes federal actors, territorial and municipal leaders, Inuit institutions, students, and policy experts in Iqaluit for three days of dialogue — exploring how Canada's Arctic security investments can be inclusive and deliver sustainable outcomes for all communities.
About the conference
Amid growing national and international attention to the Arctic, Iqaluit occupies a uniquely strategic position — yet it remains geographically and institutionally distant from many national security decision-making spaces. As a result, discussions on Arctic security are often conducted far from the communities most affected, with limited integration of territorial and municipal perspectives, Indigenous knowledge, and local community voices.
Following the recent federal announcement of major military investments across Nunavut, a debate was sparked in Iqaluit after Premier John Main's remark that the Government of Nunavut was not asked if it wanted new military bases in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. At this critical moment — with many Nunavummiut struggling with housing shortages, food insecurity, and limited access to career opportunities — it is essential that communities are not left behind and that the benefits of military investments are equitably shared.
The inaugural three-day conference brings together federal actors, territorial and municipal leaders, Inuit institutions, and policy experts to explore options and recommendations that ensure military investments are inclusive and deliver sustainable outcomes. It convenes experts from the University of Ottawa, the University of Guelph, and the Royal Military College of Canada, alongside representatives of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), the Government of Nunavut, the City of Iqaluit, Nunavut Arctic College, Inuit organizations, and francophone communities.
Thematic focus
The conference directly advances two key MINDS defence policy challenges — grounding national security priorities in local realities, fostering collaborative governance, and identifying community-driven pathways for resilient and inclusive Arctic security.
Advancing defence priorities, operations, and cross-cutting issues in the Arctic and North — including climate resilience, social and economic development, and the implementation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
Deepening domestic partnerships with academia, think tanks, territories, and Indigenous communities and organizations to advance a whole-of-nation approach that strengthens Canada's strategic advantage.
Conference format
Unlike traditional conferences where policymakers primarily present and receive questions, this conference creates space for community actors to present their perspectives and priorities first — followed by structured Q&A enabling direct dialogue with invited DND/CAF stakeholders.
Each session features a panel discussion, interactive Q&A, and facilitated breakout groups, followed by a plenary where sub-groups report back on key insights and recommendations.
Students take part throughout — joining breakout discussions, co-authoring a dedicated policy brief, and contributing to post-conference policy briefings — developing the next generation of Canadian defence and security scholars.
Buy Canadian principles prioritize Canadian and Nunavut-based suppliers for catering, materials, translation, and technical services, while hybrid delivery and full recording support knowledge dissemination and future engagement.
Partners & sponsors
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for organizations that share our commitment to inclusive, community-informed Arctic security. In line with Buy Canadian principles, the conference prioritizes Canadian and Nunavut-based suppliers. Get in touch to learn more.
Stay informed
Registration details will be announced soon. Contact us to register your interest, explore partnership opportunities, or learn more about joining in person or online.