Polar Knowledge Canada

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

This day is an opportunity to honour the strength, resilience, and knowledge of Indigenous communities and to reflect on the importance of reconciliation, respect, and meaningful collaboration.

At POLAR, we are grateful for the partnerships we have built with Indigenous Knowledge holders, communities, organizations, and researchers whose leadership and expertise continue to advance our understanding of the North and the rapidly changing polar regions.

We encourage everyone to take time today to learn, listen, and celebrate the diverse Indigenous cultures that enrich our country.

Inuit Knowledge helped solve one of history’s greatest Arctic mysteries. 🧭

For more than 170 years, the fate of the Franklin Expedition remained unknown. Inuit in the region had long shared knowledge and oral histories about where ships had been seen and what happened to the crew. ⏳ ❓

When modern search teams drew on this knowledge, it helped guide researchers to the area where the wreck of the HMS Erebus was located in 2014, followed by the HMS Terror in 2016. ⚓ 🌊

This story is an important reminder of the value of listening to Indigenous voices and knowledge. Not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because this knowledge, built through generations of close observation and lived experience, continues to help us better understand places around us, oceans, sea ice, and environmental change. 🌍 ✨






Parks Canada

❄️✈️ Travelling from the North to a conference or meeting on polar science?

Up to $5,000 in travel support is available to residents of the North through the POLAR Travel Grant.

📅 Eligible travel period: October 2026 - March 2027

📅Open to residents of Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut

📅 Apply by July 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

POLAR’s commitment to Indigenous inclusion extends beyond National Indigenous History Month and is reflected in our ongoing work. We recognize that Indigenous and Northern peoples hold critical knowledge about the issues affecting their regions and communities. Through initiatives like the POLAR Travel Grant, we support and centre Indigenous voices in polar science.

Want to stay updated on future funding opportunities? Subscribe to our mailing list: https://ow.ly/lZmy50ZbRng

🪿 Migratory birds are back, and it's egg-picking season! 🥚

Heading out on the land? Remember that avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in some wild birds in Canada. The risk to people is LOW, but here are some easy tips that can help keep you and your family safe while harvesting this bird season:

❌ Don't handle birds that look sick or are found dead
✅ Wear gloves when collecting eggs or handling birds
✅ Only collect clean, uncracked eggs
✅ Wash and disinfect hands and equipment after use
✅ Cook eggs and meat thoroughly before eating

📍 If you see sick or dead birds/wildlife, report it promptly to your local Conservation Office.

Check our resources to learn more about bird flu (avian influenza) and how to stay safe (available in English, French, Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut):

🔗 Avian influenza - Information for northern communities: https://ow.ly/Fgh250ZayCb
🎥 Avian influenza in Arctic and Northern Canada: https://ow.ly/fInh50ZayCk
📄 Avian influenza handout: https://ow.ly/o5wv50ZayCi

Happy harvesting!

From Parliament Hill to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, we're celebrating Pride Season across Canada: https://ow.ly/oEvz50Z9wS8

Happy World Oceans Day! 🌊🪸🪼🦀🐠 Read more about Dr. Savoie's Arctic Ocean work in Aqhaliat: https://www.canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge/publications/aqhaliat/volume-5.html %20Kelp%20in%20the%20Western%20Arctic

🌊 Happy World Oceans Day!

Oceans play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. They regulate the climate, support biodiversity, and connect ecosystems across the globe. Studying them is essential, especially in the Arctic, one of the fastest‑changing environments on the planet.

At the Canadian Museum of Nature, our researchers study Arctic Ocean ecosystems, including kelp forest biodiversity. By collecting specimens, they create a lasting scientific record that helps track environmental change and supports conservation efforts.

During this work, Dr. Amanda Savoie collected this striking red algae specimen; now on display in Wild Colour. 💙

📸 Roger Bull & Amanda Savoie
Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and National Research Council of Canada (NRC) senior leadership and program specialists from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology - SAIT spent the week in Cambridge Bay meeting with POLAR staff and leadership to discuss the potential for developing new research collaborations centered around CHARS and across the Canadian Arctic. Attendees also met with representatives of the Municipality of Cambridge Bay, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Nunavut Arctic College and other key partners in the private and public sector in the Kitikmeot Region to discuss research needs and opportunities for cooperation, training and ongoing collaboration.

Department of National Defence

June is National Indigenous History Month. It’s a time to honour the rich cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples whose presence has shaped this land since time immemorial.

At Polar Knowledge Canada, we are proud to work alongside Indigenous people as we advance Arctic science priorities. We look forward to a future of collaboration founded in respect and cooperation.

💻📓💡Education & public engagement are at the heart of the Museum! Our curriculum-linked school workshops make science fun, accessible, and inclusive for students across Canada.

Up until now, we’ve reported reaching 16,180+ students online and onsite. We’re on track for 18,000 by June! We have delivered our virtual workshops to all provinces and territories—23 of which were delivered to Indigenous communities thanks to our friends at North Connected North. Our most booked virtual workshop this year was Exploring Rocks & Minerals 💎 ✧˖°.🌋 Our most booked onsite workshop this year was Discovery-Tank Experience °:•.🐠*.•🪸.

A teacher from Northwest Territories says:
"My students connected with the Northern Indigenous culture and connection to the land and the animals. It was all engaging, easy to follow and interesting. We appreciate that the instructor shared real life things that individuals did and can do to help protect their environments. This makes tangible and empowering connections for the youth. Mahsi cho for the excellent workshop." (Arctic Ecosystems)

Thank you to our amazing supporters: The Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration, Jane Atkinson Smith Foundation, Polar Knowledge Canada, and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for an incredible school year.

🏛️ This , POLAR is celebrating the power of museums to connect people, cultures and stories. 🗺️

We're proud to support the Polar Knowledge Canada Northern Voices Gallery at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN), a dedicated exhibition space where Northern communities can share their own perspectives of the Arctic and relationships with the land. ❄️

The current exhibition - Qikiqtait: Where Inuit Knowledge and Innovation Come Together - was created by the Arctic Eider Society in collaboration with the CMN and showcases the innovation and stewardship of Sanikiluarmiut (the people of Sanikiluaq, a community located in the unique Hudson Bay archipelago of Qikiqtait). 🦆

At POLAR, we're committed to advancing knowledge and collaboration in the North. We recognize the vital role that museums play in fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect across cultures and communities.

The Qikiqtait exhibition will run until September 2027. It is included with general museum admission.

🔗 Visit the CMN website for details and tickets: https://nature.ca/en/visit-us/whats-on/listing/qikiqtait/
📸 Canadian Museum of Nature