Polar Outreach Catalogue

IPY funding is providing the opportunity for five young Canadians between the ages of 19 and 30 to join the Circumpolar Young Leaders Program. The Circumpolar Young Leaders Program focuses on environmental, social and economic challenges facing the Arctic and provides participants with an opportunity to work directly on these issues in organizations throughout the circumpolar world. Participants learn leadership skills which they can put to use to help enhance cooperation between Canada and other circumpolar nations. In 2009, participants also assisted with the completion of a publication titled, Securing a Sustainable Future in the Arctic. This report provides an assessment of existing training programs for northern youth, examines what has worked up to now, identifies the existing gaps and barriers for young leaders and makes recommendations. An online training site is also being developed to support the professional development of all young northerners.