Arctic Institute of North America

🌊 World Ocean Day | June 8

The Arctic Ocean may be the smallest of the world's oceans, but its influence reaches far beyond the North. It supports unique marine ecosystems, sustains Arctic communities, regulates global climate systems, and connects us all through a shared ocean.

From narwhals and belugas to seabirds, fish, and sea ice ecosystems, the Arctic Ocean is home to remarkable biodiversity that is increasingly affected by climate change and environmental pressures.

Today, on World Ocean Day, we celebrate the importance of healthy oceans and recognize the vital role the Arctic Ocean plays in the future of our planet.

🌎 Our Ocean. Our Future.
💙 Protect the Arctic. Protect Life.

🎓 Applications for the Jim Bourque Scholarship are open!

Established in honour of Jim Bourque’s enduring legacy, the scholarship supports Aboriginal students whose post-secondary work, studies, or interests reflect a commitment to the North and northern peoples.

“Though he shaped history in the boardrooms of Yellowknife and Ottawa, Jim Bourque was always a man of the land. He embraced the teachings of his Cree grandparents. Through his life he spoke of the importance of Aboriginal traditions, and the lessons the land holds for all.”
— Lawrence Barkwell, Coordinator of Métis Heritage and History Research, Louis Riel Institute

🔗 Learn more and apply via the link in our bio.

The Arctic Council brings together Arctic States, Indigenous Permanent Participants, Working Groups, and Observer States and Organizations to support cooperation across the circumpolar North.

AINA has held Observer status since 2004, reflecting the Institute’s long-standing commitment to Arctic science, partnership, and information exchange.

The Arctic Council is the leading forum for cooperation among States and Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic. Sharing knowledge on climate, environment, and sustainable development.

🌐 Canadian Polar Data Workshop VI (CPDW6)

Join experts from across Canada and beyond at the Canadian Polar Data Workshop VI, taking place June 8–12, 2026, at the University of Waterloo

This annual workshop supports Canada’s leadership in polar research and data innovation by advancing national strategies and strengthening collaboration across the polar data community.

Whether you're working in Arctic science, data management, or policy, CPDW6 offers a valuable space to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of polar data.

Proposed workshop sessions:
- Knowledge Mobilization & Decision-making
- Co-Production of Knowledge and Indigenous Data Sovereignty
- Data Ethics
- FAIR Data
- Data Storytelling
And more...

➡️ Register now: https://wpsites.ucalgary.ca/canadianpolardataworkshop/

🌍 Happy World Wildlife Day!

Today, we celebrate the wild wonders that make our planet thrive—plants and animals alike. 🌱🐟

This year’s UN theme, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods, reminds us that biodiversity supports human health, culture, and ecosystems. 🌿🪶

From the enduring muskox to migratory caribou, and the cold-adapted Arctic char, each species carries a genetic story shaped by life in extreme northern environments.

Through our "Species in Focus" stories, the AINA Arctic Genomics project explores how species DNA 🧬 reveals resilience — and what genomics tells us about the future of Arctic ecosystems and the protection of Arctic wildlife.

We honor all wild species, the genetic threads that connect Arctic communities, livelihoods, ecosystems, and science.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to explore Arctic species stories and learn why conservation matters now more than ever.

📷 Caribou on Qikiqtaruk (Herschel Island, Canada) | Credit: Cameron Eckert

📷 Arctic char, Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut | Credit: Courtney

📷 Arctic fox | Credit: Pierre Cornay

📷 Muskox, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway | Credit: Franklin Fichtmueller

📷 Atlantic walrus, Bråsvellbreen, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard

📷 Polar bear, Northern Alaska | Credit: Hans-Jurgeb Mager

📢 Good news, Arctic researchers!

The Arctic Observing Summit 2026 in Aarhus, Denmark has extended its submission deadlines!

You now have extra time to submit:
✅ Short statements
✅ White papers
✅ Poster abstracts

Don’t miss your chance to join the global Arctic community and share your insights on Arctic observing and science collaboration! ❄️🌍

🌐 Submit here and link in bio: https://arcticobservingsummit.org/summits/aos-2026/

📸 AINA: 80 Years of Arctic Impact!

Since 1945, the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) has advanced research and education about the North — from climate science and genomics to community-led research and multidisciplinary discovery.

This past December, colleagues, partners, and community members, gathered to celebrate AINA’s 80th anniversary, highlighting the institute’s legacy of knowledge, collaboration, and its commitment to understanding the Arctic’s role in our shared global future. 🌍❄️

AINA’s journey — from its founding through an Act of Parliament to becoming part of the University of Calgary — reflects decades of scientific leadership, transdisciplinary research, and partnership with northern and Indigenous communities.

As the Arctic changes rapidly, AINA continues to deepen how we understand and respond to those changes together.

Swipe ➡️ to explore key moments from our 80th celebration!

📰 Read more by at: https://tinyurl.com/AINA-80th-at-UCalgary

📢 Calling all graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in any faculty at , focusing your education and research on Northern and Arctic sustainable development - we're accepting applications for the 2026 H.M. Ali Family Education Award.

This award provides support to students with a demonstrated interest in sustainable community development in Canada’s northern and Arctic regions with a strong respect for the knowledge, priorities, and leadership of Indigenous Peoples.

The award encourages the development of well-prepared individuals who approach their work with cultural humility, ethical responsibility, and an understanding of the social, environmental, and cultural contexts of northern communities, and who are dedicated to contributing in ways that are responsive, respectful, and grounded in partnership.

👆 Don’t miss this opportunity
⏳ 3 weeks left to apply
📤 Send applications: [email protected]