Every year, the Institute of Arctic Studies runs a cross-cohort simulation to reflect real-world dialogues and negotiations happening today. Rapid warming continues to reduce sea ice, thaw permafrost, and open access to previously inaccessible lands and waters, making the region more exposed to shipping, extraction, and infrastructure development. This has intensified global interest and pressure on the Arctic region and rural communities throughout the circumpolar north. These Arctic nations and sovereign Indigenous communities have seen an increase in requests and proposals to develop resources on their lands, and these layered requests often take careful consideration and community resources to navigate.
This spring, the simulation “On Sovereign Ground: Consent, Power, and Arctic Futures” was designed and led by Dr. Melody B. Burkins, Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies. Students were organized into groups to navigate these challenges by learning and using established Arctic protocols for the meaningful, ethical, and equitable engagement of Arctic communities. The groups included students representing local community members — both elders and youth — as well as national government leaders, non-governmental organizations, and business interests.
The simulation invited students to learn about Arctic protocols for decision-making where working to build dialog and trust with community interests is central to the success of sustainable, responsible resource management. Participants discovered the importance of carefully listening to the needs of diverse community voices, engaging in thoughtful dialog, and co-producing solutions that held the most long-term benefits for all.
