Real Life Conference on Arctic Security
Rethinking Arctic Security from Iqaluit: Integrating Municipal and Community Perspectives into Canada's Security Architecture
- When
- October 21, 22 and 23, 2026
- Where
- Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit
- Format
- Hybrid — in person & online
- Host institution
- Nunavut Arctic College
- Funding partner
- Department of National Defence (DND)
Three days. Three themes.
One shared agenda.
Each day pairs panel discussions with facilitated breakout groups and a plenary report-back. The agenda below is tentative and may change as the program is finalized.
Tentative agenda
Day 1
21 October 2026
Strengthening Canada's Defence Industrial Base and Partnerships
Opening ceremony and conference overview. Discussions will explore how defence investments can support workforce development, education, employment opportunities, and meaningful participation of Northern and Indigenous communities. Interactive panels and breakout sessions will examine partnerships among governments, Indigenous organizations, academia, and community stakeholders to strengthen economic growth and national resilience.
Resource personTo be confirmed
Day 2
22 October 2026
Canada Strong in the Arctic, the North, and North America
Discussions will focus on Arctic security beyond NATO and traditional military perspectives, highlighting culture, language, gender inclusion, climate resilience, and community well-being. Participants will develop recommendations for strengthening Arctic resilience and community-centred approaches to security and development.
Resource personTo be confirmed
Day 3
23 October 2026
Community Impacts and Youth Perspectives on Arctic Security
The final day will examine how security investments may influence jobs, housing, infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life in Northern communities. A youth-focused roundtable will provide future-oriented perspectives on Arctic security, followed by conference reflections and a networking reception.
Resource personTo be confirmed
Students
Register as a student volunteer
Students take part throughout the conference — supporting registration and logistics, joining breakout discussions, and contributing to the post-conference policy brief. Volunteering is a paid-experience opportunity to work alongside federal, territorial, municipal, and Inuit leaders in your own community.
Registration
Register to participate
Complete the form below and your email client will open with your registration ready to send to our team. We will confirm your place and share joining details as the program is finalized.
Stay informed
Join us in Iqaluit
Have a question about the program, partnerships, or joining online? Our team is happy to help.