All Arctic Visiting Speaker Tours
If you have any questions regarding these tours, please contact avs@arcus.org.
Showing speaker tours.
2013 Tours
Summary:
Sarah Hurst from Anchorage, Alaska traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia to work with Elena Andreeva of INTAARI. Elena and Sarah had a very busy 3-week itinerary. Sarah gave many presentations to varied audiences including: the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, INTAARI, the Russian Geographic Society, the Museum of Arctic and Antarctic of St. Petersburg, the American Corner, the Interregional public organization Society “ZNANIE”, the American Councils for International Education, the Union of Journalists, as well as many secondary schools.
Prepared presentations for her tour included:
- “Our Shared Northern Culture: Ethnographical, environmental and cultural issues in the Alaskan Arctic.”
- “Resource development in the Alaskan Arctic: balancing the needs of stakeholders”
- “Issues facing Alaskan Arctic Native villages: subsistence, climate change, economic challenges”
- “Life in the Alaskan Arctic village of Point Hope”
- "Alaska-Russia joint projects and future prospects”
You can view many of the highlights of Sarah's trip on our Facebook group page.
Summary:
Kirk Dombrowski traveled to Providence, RI to work with colleagues at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University from 27-28 February 2013. En-route from New York, he stopped at the Collections Research Center in Bristol, RI to tour the Museum's Arctic Collections and visit with museum staff. Following that, he continued on to campus where he gave a public lecture on "Understanding Arctic Communities on the Brink of Self-Governance". At this presentation, Dr. Dombrowski discussed the results of research by an anthropology team in the new indigenous autonomous area of Nunatsiavut, located in Labrador, Canada. After the presentation, Dr. Dombrowski attended a public reception and dinner with faculty, staff and friends. The following day, Dr. Dombrowski led a Brown Bag Lunch Seminar entitled "Reaching 'Hard-to-Reach' populations for research in Anthropology, Sociology, and Public Health" before he departed for his return to New York.
Summary:
Henry Huntington of the Pew Environment Group traveled to the far reaches of Neryungri, Russia in early February. There he was busy interacting with many audiences including students and faculty of the Technical Institute (branch) of the North-Eastern Federal University, Neryungri state administrative authorities, the Neryungri Youth Parliament, and teaching staff and pupils of the Experimental Boarding School for indigenous peoples of Sakha Republic.
Titles of some of the presentations that Henry gave include: "Humans and the Arctic Environment: Changing Roles, Changing Research", "Peoples of the Arctic: Similarities and Differences", and "Oceans, Watersheds and People: Facts, Myths, and Realities". He also gave a presentation on the Pew Environmental Group, attended discussions on traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary research in the Arctic.
Summary:
Dr. Klein traveled to Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida to work with members of the Department of Biological Sciences. He presented a talk entitled "Red and Arctic Fox Predation on Colonial Nesting Seabirds in a Changing Climate on Alaska's Bering Sea Islands" to faculty and graduate students. Dr. Klein also presented a BIOSCOPES webinar on "Climate Change Effects on the Ecology of Wildlife in the Alaskan Arctic and Sub-Arctic". This webinar serves as part of a secondary teacher professional development program that is run out of FSU for all Florida science teachers at the secondary level.
In the latter part of Dr. Klein's tour, he met with FSU biologists and visited local national forests and wildlife refuges with faculty members of the Department of Biological Sciences.
For a more detailed description of his tour, please download Dr. Klein's itinerary located below.
2012 Tours
Summary:
Anne Jensen spent five days in Valdez talking about her arctic archaeology work to audiences of all ages. During November 2—5 Anne presented programs at Prince William Sound Community College and the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum. While at the museum, she also helped to identify some artifacts. On November 2nd, Anne was on the air to share her experiences and stories on local public radio station KCHU's "Coffee Break".
The last two days of Anne's tour were spent speaking to students at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School, Gilson Middle School, and Valdez High School. She also participated in a "Career Cafe" at Gilson Middle School.
Dr. Jensen's current research focuses on human adaptation in Arctic and subarctic environments, paleoeconomy and paleoenvironments and Traditional Knowledge of Iñupiat peoples. To learn more about Anne's work, visit her blog on Arctic Archaeology at iceandtime.wordpress.com.
Summary:
Dr. Gradinger traveled to Sitka, Alaska for four days of educational and outreach activities as part of the Sitka WhaleFest. Dr. Gradinger started his tour with a community presentation at the Kettleson Memorial Library entitled “Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs of Arctic Research” on November 1st. His second presentation entitled “Changing the Arctic: One species at a time” took place as part of the Sitka WhaleFest symposium.
While in Sitka, Dr. Gradinger also worked with students from two different school districts. Rolf worked with a group of students in the Gifted and Talented Program from Sitka schools during a breakout session talking about what it is like to be an arctic researcher. He also met with students from the Southeast Island School District in a special session talking about arctic science.
For more information on the Sitka WhaleFest, please visit: http://www.sitkawhalefest.org
Summary:
Dr. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, was a participant and guest speaker at the 2012 Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival from August 24th through August 26th. There he spoke about "Cranes in the Arctic" as well as gave other presentations at the festival. The Crane Festival included educational and outreach events that engaged the Fairbanks community including scientific presentations, community presentations, guided walks, and art events which all focused on increasing Fairbanksans knowledge of Sandhill Crane conservation and natural history. Dr. Archibald also spoke on "Cranes of the World" at UAF's Museum of the North on August 30th.
Information regarding Dr. Archibald's presentations and the schedule for the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival, can be found at: http://www.creamersfield.org./Crane_Fest_2012.html.
Summary:
Debi Rubera’s tour was a unique opportunity to support a teacher who was traveling to Washington, D.C. with her students from a remote Alaskan village. The purpose of this trip was to introduce Washington D.C. to the nine students of Gusty Michael School, a trip of a lifetime for them. In addition, the students themselves became “arctic ambassadors” teaching those with whom they met about the arctic environment that they live in, what their daily life is like, and what affects their way of life. Debi and her students had a two-week tour filled with activities in and around the D.C. area. While in Washington, they toured the Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court, NOAA, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and Bureau of Printing and Engraving, as well as visited many Smithsonian museums and the Department of Education. The children also spent a day shadowing children of their own age in a school in Alexandria, Virginia to experience an ordinary school day in an urban setting. The second week, the group engaged in activities in Pennsylvania including caving, participating in a creek study, and visiting Gettysburg as well as an Amish farm.
Summary:
Dr. Jennifer Burns, University of Alaska-Anchorage Professor of Biology, traveled from Anchorage, Alaska to Memphis, Tennessee, to participate in a week’s worth of education and public outreach activities with Alex Eilers of the Pink Palace Museum. Alex and Dr. Burns had participated in an Antarctic expedition together studying Weddell seals in the Ross Sea through the PolarTREC Program. You can read more about their expedition here: http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/weddell-seals-in-the-ross-sea. Dr. Burns’ visit served as an excellent follow up to the initial public and educational outreach component which was initiated by the PolarTREC expedition.
Alex had a very full week of activities set up for Dr. Burns. Many activities took place at the Pink Palace Museum and were focused around a program which they created together called “Passport to Antarctica – Where Adventure Meets Seal Science”. This program uses actual artifacts, specimens, photographs, videos and a life-sized stuffed Weddell seal to transform the classroom into an Antarctic field experience to provide students with a glimpse of what it is like to be in the field.
Throughout the week, Dr. Burns and Alex visited many local schools including Campus Elementary, St. John, Jackson Elementary, and Grahamwood Elementary to present their program. They also visited and presented the program to the CLUE students at Coleman Elementary and Keystone Elementary Schools. This program proved extremely beneficial for the students and allowed them the opportunity to interact with an actual Antarctic scientist on a personal level. All of the schools selected to participate in a follow-up visit were chosen based upon the school’s level of participation in the initial program.
Dr. Burns also participated in live TV interviews with the “Good Morning Memphis Show”, Memphis’ “Live at 9” morning show and ABC’s Memphis’ WPTY Midday Show. For their final Memphis presentation, Dr. Burns and Alex gave a presentation in a local retirement community.
By the end of the week, many residents of all ages living in Memphis know a lot more about Antarctica and Weddell seals!
Summary:
The feature event of this tour was a screening of the documentary film “Drums of Winter”, followed by a question-and-answer session with director Leonard Kamerling. “Drums of Winter” explores the role of dance and music in the culture of the Yupik Eskimo people as they face pressure from the outside world to abandon their traditional lifestyle. The film was added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2006. The film was shown on the campus of Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR, and was open to the public. The question-and-answer session was filmed and archived alongside “Drums of Winter” in Western Oregon University’s Hamersly Library.
In addition to the film screening, Dr. Kamerling attended an Open House at the Jensen Arctic Museum so community members had the opportunity to interact with him in an informal setting. Len also met with four undergraduate classes during his visit: Globalization Issues, Cultural Geography, Visual Anthropology, and Cultures of Africa. During these classroom visits, a total of 130 students were able to learn from Len’s expertise and share ideas and thoughts on his films, cultural issues, and various topics related to their course content.
Summary:
Dr. Osgood had a full schedule of events (Dr. Osgood's Tour Schedule) planned for her time in Yakutsk. She delivered a series of lectures and activities intended for students at North-Eastern Federal University that focused on oral traditions, how stories live on, and evaluating how stories have been recorded and shared. As part of this curriculum, the students had the opportunity to perform a northern, native story of their own. Two videos are available from student projects from this class. A retelling of a traditional Sakha tale from one of the student groups in Yakutsk can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LTf54_gNsH4). "The Old Woman Beiberiken with Five Cows" can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyGIzJPJkAs&feature=youtu.be.
Dr. Osgood also presented another lecture series on how filmmaking is being used by indigenous peoples to reclaim methods of representation. This lecture series provided tools to evaluate the directional intent of films made in and about the North. Students viewed a range of northern films, studied analysis tools for cinema, and reviewed one film in depth. Film screenings were public, and were discussed with university students as well as high school students from the College of the Republic in Yakutsk. These courses were also made available online through a portal hosted by the University of Akureyri at http://vlt.is/moodle/login/index.php. In addition, Dr. Osgood also discussed an arctic humanities curriculum for the University of the Arctic. A followup article on Dr. Osgood's tour is available for download below.
Summary:
On this tour, Karsten stopped to give a presentation entitled "Necessary Journeys" at Dartmouth College. Karsten highlighted his travels with his wife, Leanne Allison, and shared stories and wisdom from his trips. Once at Sterling College, he joined students in Sterling's Vertebrate Natural History on a tracking field trip to Babcock Preserve. Later Karsten gave a public presentation entitled "Canoe Exploration of the Canadian North" in which he discussed his latest project, "Finding Farley", and shared insights gained from his cross-country canoe trip. He was also interviewed for the May 2012 edition of Common Voice, the Sterling College Community blog. A link to the interview can be found below.
After his presentations at Sterling College, Mr. Heuer continued on to Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont where he participated in and presented at the Wilderness Paddlers Weekend before he returned home to Canada.
2011 Tours
Summary:
Author Charles Wohlforth traveled to Everett, Washington to present and discuss his book "The Fate of Nature" with seventy-five high school students enrolled in the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA). All ORCA students had prepared for his visit by reading and discussing his book prior to his coming. His discussion focused on the impact of human activity on the arctic and marine environments, and how culture affects our creation of personal and social intensions for use of natural resources and protection of other species. Following his one hour presentation, Charles met for two hours with smaller groups of 18-20 students to respond to their questions.
In addition to Charles's visit with ORCA students and faculty, he also presented a similar lecture on his book to a small group of faculty on the Everett Community College campus.
Charles Wohlforth is a life-long Alaska resident and prize-winning author of numerous books about Alaska. His work includes writing about science and the environment, politics and history, travel, and as-told-to biography. A popular lecturer, he has spoken all over the United States and overseas. Wohlforth lives with his wife, Barbara, and their four children. They reside in Anchorage during the winter, where they are avid cross-country skiers, and in summer on a remote Kachemak Bay shore reachable only by boat.
Comments From Previous Tour Hosts
"We are thrilled to have had Charles Wohlforth visit our school. He has had a profound impact on our students, many of whom are wrestling with conducting science in the marine environment and all of whom are wrestling with the relationship between humans and their environment. The Arctic is a stark and living laboratory for engaging in a quality discussion about these two issues."
Josh Searle, Ocean Research College Academy
"Charles Wohlforth is a gem and well worth your support. He continues to inspire and challenge the thinking of our students. We are thankful to have had him visit."
Josh Searle, Ocean Research College Academy
Summary:
Dr. Terrence Cole traveled from Fairbanks to Sitka, Alaska to participate in the Sitka WhaleFest (SWF). The SWF is a celebration of the diverse and abundant marine mammals population. From mid-September until mid-January, the pristine waters of Sitka Sound are home to many humpback whales. Biologists believe the whales are building up food reserves prior to their migration to tropical waters. See more on the SWF here: http://www.sitkawhalefest.org.
Dr. Cole was kept very busy on the tour from Thursday through Sunday evening. He interacted with individuals during the entire time. There were informal meals and structured class time after each daily symposium with students as well as between presentations. Some of the highlights of his tour are included below.
On Thursday 10 November Dr. Cole presented to 40 students from Mt. Edgecumbe High and 20 community members. His presentation was entitled "Historical Whaling Practices and Other Maritime Activities".
Friday through Sunday Dr. Cole participated in a three day symposium with other invited speakers on each afternoon. On Sunday, Dr. Cole presented "Abolish Southeast Alaska: A Modest Price to Pay for World Peace," to an audience of 250 people (Grades 6 - Graduate and post doctoral students) as well as representatives from the following organizations: Mt. Edgecumbe High School, University of Alaska Southeast Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau campuses, Barrow Middle School, North Slope Borough Intern from Dartmouth College, Southeast Island School District students Coffman Cove, Nakadi, Thorne Bay, Whale Pass, North Pacific Research Board, Tenakee Springs School District, Sitka High School, Sitka Blatchley, Middle School, Sheldon Jackson State Museum, UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Science and Institute of Arctic Biology, and the Scripts Institution of Oceanography. Local government officials also attended along with a variety of representatives of local non-profits and the community at large. The Sitka Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary 6th grade class was also present.
During both days of the weekend, Dr. Cole also spoke on morning Whale Watching Cruises available to symposium participants. The subject of his presentation was Maritime History.
Summary:
Aviâja Egede Lynge traveled to Anchorage, Alaska in October to present several programs concerning the Inuit model of education in Greenland. Her host, Diane Hirshberg from the Center for Alaska Education Policy Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage thought that Alaskan educators could benefit greatly from some of the Greenlandic practices.
On 10 October Aviâja flew to Bethel to visit the Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Yupik Immersion School. The schools mission is to, "help strengthen Yup'ik language and culture, to promote understanding of cultural differences, to enhance one's own cultural identity and to accept that of others".
From Bethel, Aviâja flew to Barrow on 12 October with her host Diane Hirshberg. There she visited with the Ilisagvik College faculty and president and discussed, "Education as a Decolonizational Process." At 7:00 pm that night in the Tuzzy Library (http://www.tuzzy.org) she gave a presentation to the public entitled: "Mental Decolonization in Greenland." On 13 October, Aviâja toured the Inupiat Heritage Center and gave a presentation to Barrow High Schools students who are taking an Inupiaq Literature and Composition course. Her presentation was entitled "Taking Responsibility for Our History." Also while in Barrow, she met with the North Slope Borough School District Board of Education and discussed the Education Reform in Greenland.
After returning to Anchorage on 14 October Aviâja gave a talk entitled "Reforming Education in Greenland: Recognizing the Culture and Identity of Greenlandic Children" at an event open to the public at the Institute of Social and Economic Research in the Diplomacy Building fifth floor conference room at 12:00 pm. A brief synopsis of this presentation follows: "Greenland is a former colony of Denmark, and used the Danish school system for 250 years. But in 2002, Greenland passed the first law requiring the education system to take into account the culture and identity of Greenlandic children". Aviâja spoke about efforts to put the 2002 law into practice, focusing on results and experiences of public school teachers.
Aviâja also presented at the Elders and Youth conference part of the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention on 17 - 18 October. The AFN Convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples. During the convention, the entire state of Alaska is blanketed with discussion on current events and issues. International observers are present at most meetings, both exchanging information and learning from the Alaska Native experience. Aviâja's lecture, "Mental Decolonization in Greenland and Alaska: Comparing Issues" was open to the public with registration to AFN.
Also while in Anchorage, Aviâja visited the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School and participated in other AFN sessions. On 20 October she had her last public event at the Native Student Services on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus in Rasmuson Hall, Room 108. Her 12:00 pm presentation was entitled "Indigenous Values Gathering." The Native Student Services mission is to provide quality support services to native and rural students which promotes their scholastic achievement, student retention, and personal success. They aim to foster academic excellence, career development, leadership skills, personal growth, college-transitioning, a sense of belonging, and the attainment of one's scholastic and life goals. Aviâja traveled back to Greenland on 21 October after her very full tour of Alaska.
Summary:
Ken Tape is a PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying climate warming and landscape changes in the Arctic. Ken traveled to New Jersey to visit Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Chatham High School.
On 28 April Ken visited the AP Environmental Science, Honors Earth System Science and Concepts Earth Science students at Chatham High School. On 29 April he visited Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and met with faculty and students in the geography department. He also presented a seminar open to the university and public titled: "The Changing Arctic Alaskan Landscape." The seminar was followed by a reception. The seminar took place from 3:00 – 4:00 pm in the B120 Lucy Stone Hall, the public was encouraged to attend.
All of Ken's lectures focused around landscape changes in the Arctic including: the expansion of shrubs and the effect on herbivores (namely ptarmigan), fluctuations in the erosion regime, heterogeneity of vegetation change, and the implications of these changes to the broader arctic system. His work uses repeat photography to document expanding shrubs, migrating tree-line, shrinking glaciers, and deteriorating permafrost in the Arctic. He recently finished a book called, "The Changing Arctic Landscape" that highlights repeat photography in the Arctic. Repeated photographs can be interpreted by anyone, thus removing the complicated layer of interpretation that is associated with most measurements of terrestrial change. Students in New Jersey have very limited knowledge about the Arctic environment and the combination of photography and science was particularly appealing to the students.
Summary:
In conjunction with the annual Bering Sea Days, speaker Michelle Ridgway visited St. Paul Island, Alaska. Bering Sea Days is a week long event that focuses students attention on the marine science and ecological concerns of the Bering Sea. Ms. Ridgway has participated in the Bering Sea Days in the past and is a welcome addition to the community event. Please see below for a complete schedule of events.
22 April at 7:30 pm
COMMUNITY PRESENTATION at St. Paul School, videocast to St. George School
Pribilof Canyon Biodiversity in 3-D: Come "fly" with Submarine Pilot/Marine Ecologist Michelle Ridgway as she presents a new three-dimensional view of marine life within Pribilof Domain – from island shores to the bottom of Pribilof Canyon. Ridgway took the audience on a virtual cruise off the deep end – over the Beringian shelf edge, over undersea slides, into deep chasms showing "hotspots" for commercial fisheries species, gelatinous zooplankton, king crab, corals and exquisite marine life in the deep sea. Ridgway shared plans for the 2011 – 2013 deeper submarine research in Pribilof Canyon and described how local students and community members may participate in this work. All ages invited.
26 April at 7:00 pm
COMMUNITY PRESENTATION at St. Paul School
Michelle Ridgway joined several other marine scientists in an evening presentation to kick off the Annual Bering Sea Days Program sponsored by the Pribilof School District. Each speaker provided a brief overview of the science plans students will be engaged in during the week of marine science activities for K-12 grades at the St. Paul School. Ridgway presented a power point to the community on her ongoing Bering Sea Canyon research and upcoming week of events with Pribilof students. Following the presentation, Ridgway moved among three tables set up for community ocean science open house. Table 1: Marine Biodiversity of Pribilof Domain; Table 2: Discover zooplankton! Microscope stations for viewing live phytoplankton and zooplankton from the Bering Sea; Table 3: Local Ecological Knowledge mapping project – supported students interviewing elders to document local information on king crab ecology, sea ice patterns in Pribilof Domain and fish predation on crab.
26 – 29 April from 9 am – 3 pm Daily
Pribilof School District Bering Sea Days!
"St. George and St. Paul students joined forces once again to continue probing into life and times of sea creatures of the Bering Sea and other Pribilof Domain scientific phenomena during the Fourth Annual Bering Sea Days event last week. K-12 students carried out field missions to sample zooplankton, measure sea ice, identify local bird species and map coastal features of St. Paul Island by GPS. Their work in the science rooms led to identification of dozens of new invertebrates in the biodiversity project, making new maps of the island and surrounding marine environment, discovery of larval fishes, myriad crustaceans – including king crab larvae (!) and even microscopic worms in plankton tows, anatomical dissection of salmonid fish, and further work on king crab habitat mapping. Organized by the Tribal Governments of St. Paul and St. George with Pribilof School District, Bering Sea Days brings in scientists to work with students on research of local interest. This year experts in marine ecology, GIS mapping, Beringian Archeology, bird biology, and ocean tidal currents participated." There were 91 students, 13 teachers, and 60 community members that participated in the Bering Sea Days.
A highlight of the week included over a hundred baby sea stars were "born" right in the Pribilof School Science Room! St. Paul School second grade student, Justin Emanoff, discovered that the captive Leptasterias sea star was a mother, and she had over 100 babies about 2 millimeters in diameter, right in the petri dish in the science room! Ridgway's account of the event, "Moments later, observant second grade students watched as the sea star hunched up her central disc, then spread her long arms out, and something strange came out … dozens of tiny baby sea stars. The mother star had been cradling the baby stars in her tentacled embrace since they hatched – a behavior called 'brooding.' This surprising 'birth' in the Pribilof School science room was announced throughout the school – even Superintendent Jamie Stacks took the rare opportunity to see sea star embryos in their first moments of life in the … well, petri dish. Mother sea star and her wee offspring were released alive in calm waters at the new St. Paul Harbor boat ramp."
Program Modules Ridgway taught
Zooplankton Universe IV: Students traveled on foot to St. Paul dock to collect plankton samples using our standard 750 cm mouth 500 micron mesh plankton net. Students also collected physical ecological data: air temperature, seawater temperature, sea ice cover, cloud cover, bird and mammal observations. They returned to the school science room to sort and identify and photograph as many species of zooplankton as time allowed. Representative specimens of each species were preserved for the biodiversity catalog and ID confirmation if specimens could not be confirmed with resources available.
King Crab Ecology VI: Students used school's new ESRI ArcGIS system to compile existing data on king crab at all life history stages – data students have collected in past years, ADFG survey data, NOAA trawl survey data, and other information on life history of king crab in the Pribilof Domain. We developed maps allowing students to answer questions about most important habitats for king crab and develop a recommendation to the AKKRRAB program on best potential sites for studying juvenile king crab habitat and foraging needs.
Biodiversity: Using high definition images of species from the Pribilof Domain collected by submarine and by students in the nearshore areas, we organized marine life by standard taxonomic methods. Each age group focused upon facets of species similarities and connections among species in the evolutionary tree of life. We went to the field with some age groups to explore exposed marine environments and see if we could add new species to our records for the Pribilof Islands.
Sea Ice Physics: What is sea ice? What are the key properties of Arctic sea ice? How far does the Arctic ice edge travel in a single year to reach the southern maximum extent? How often does sea ice cover reach the Pribilof Islands and canyon? Using GINA satellite images from the University of Alaska and our own field observations, plus sea ice records from fur sea and harbor master data, we quantified how much sea ice directly influences the marine ecosystem in Pribilof Domain.
Fish Guts to Foodwebs VII: Students assembled dissection kits and databases! We studied external and internal anatomy of Bering Sea fishes, then excised stomachs for examination. Results of stomach content investigations will be added to our 4-year cumulative Bering Sea ecosystem food web developed using fish, seal and sea lion stomachs.
Life-long Alaskan Michelle Ridgway has engaged in marine ecological research and exploration in Alaskan Arctic and Subarctic waters for over 20 years. From coastal kelp forests to deep-sea habitats, Michelle has examined the role of physical and biogenic features in supporting the diversity and abundance of species in Alaskan seas. Recently focused on the unique role of submarine canyons, Michelle is studying continental margin geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and attempting to quantify chemosynthetically- derived carbon sources feeding into northern food webs. Diver, submarine pilot and ROV operator, Michelle continues to probe the depths of Alaskan marine waters using cutting edge technology to examine facets of some of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world.
Summary:
In April 2011 Allen Marquette, the Community Education Program Coordinator for the Prince William Sound Science Center traveled to Challis, a small community in central Idaho, to present several school and community programs. Over a period of four days, Allen presented a series of programs titled "Mammoths, Lions and Bears....Life in Alaska during the Last Great Ice Age." Kids and adults alike were fascinated to discover that up until just 12,500 years ago strange creatures roamed this land – huge and powerful beasts with amazing adaptations. Glaciers and permafrost still dominated much of Alaska and the lower forty eight states.
What was Alaska and North America like back then? Steppe horses roamed North America, as did camels and giant ground sloths, woolly mammoths, mastodons and bears standing twice as large as the coastal brown bears of modern day Alaska! Along with assorted skulls, teeth, claws, bones and even woolly mammoth hair, Allen showed the diverse animal and plant life that existed in Alaska and other parts of North America during the last Great Ice Age that began about 1.8 million years ago and ended just 12,500 years ago.
Over the four days in Challis, Allen presented a program to 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade classes and a program to two 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes. The last day of the visit, Allen gave a presentation to a 7th and 8th grade class with emphasis on specific animal and plant adaptations that allowed these organisms to survive in the harsh frozen environment. During the various scheduled presentations, he also showed that people arrived in North America during this time period with discussions of how humans may have interacted with the large fauna of the time.
Allen Marquette has been the Community Education Program Coordinator for the Prince William Sound Science Center for the last eight years. He manages the Discovery Room program developed for K-6 graders and also writes and records a science series for NPR radio called Field Notes which airs twice a week. He also presents a community education program that provides science lectures to the community of Cordova and Valdez on a weekly basis. He states, "I love science and the ability to share my passion with others... To share the wow factor in science... Especially with kids!"
Summary:
A lifelong photographer and resident arctic filmmaker since 2004, Arthur Smith lives on Alaska's Barter Island, in the Inupiat Eskimo village of Kaktovik. He specializes in the genre of documentary and natural history filmmaking for theatrical, broadcast, and interpretive applications. Mr. Smith traveled to Ithaca, New York to participate in the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF). FLEFF is an international film festival focused on the initiative of sustainable development. It was launched in 1997 as an outreach project from the Center for the Environment at Cornell University. In 2004 Ithaca College was the major sponsor and host of the festival. In 2005 the festival moved permanently to Ithaca College, where it is housed in the Division of Interdisciplinary and International Studies as a program to link intellectual inquiry and debate to larger global issues.
On Thursday 14 April Mr. Smith visited the 9-12 graders at the New Roots School. This was an open interactive dialogue with students and teachers in this new alternative high school dedicated to exploring and immersing in sustainability. The session explored the complex environmental issues between the Arctic as a landscape challenged by development and the viability of polar bears as the Arctic inhabitants. Mr. Smith also illustrated his discussion with photographs of polar bears and selected clips from his award-winning nature films, Ice Bears of Beaufort and What Do Polar Bears Dream When They're Dying.
On Friday morning 15 April Mr. Smith visited the 7-12 graders at Lehman Alternative Community School. The class that Mr. Smith visited was called "Animals." The class prepared for Mr. Smith's visit by looking at his trailers for his two films online, familiarized themselves with his company, Polar Arts Productions, and interacted with Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival profiles of Mr. Smith. Students and teachers prepared questions about the relationships between animals and climate change in the Arctic. The class also explored the narrative of Mr. Smith's life, and what lead him to live in the Arctic above the Arctic Circle to work with photographing polar bears. Mr. Smith also showed excerpts from his award-winning nature films, as examples of the environmental challenges of photographing animals. Friday afternoon was spent at South Hill Elementary School with the 1-4 graders. Along with viewing appropriate clips from his films, this was also an open interactive dialogue with students and teachers asking questions about Mr. Smith's career as a wildlife photographer, cinematographer and filmmaker, with a focus on an exploration of a life choice of commitment to exploring nature and immersing in a challenging environment. Students and teachers are interested in learning about Mr. Smith's experiences and observations of polar bears, and how his experiences might differ from popular culture images/clichés of polar bears.
On Sunday 17 April there was a free screening of What Do Polar Bears Dream When They're Dying, at 2:00 pm at Cinemapolis Movie Theater at The Commons in Ithaca. This screening was the ONLY screening of FLEFF films downtown that was FREE, the public and families were encouraged to attend. 'Checkpoints' is the theme of the 2011 Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival: the idea of a border, an event, a situation that causes us to cross over to someplace new. This film exemplifies the theme of Checkpoints, with its exploration of polar bears as a checkpoint in the Arctic region. Local teachers and PTA groups used social media to advertise the screening as a family event. In addition, FLEFF interns marketed this screening as the only opportunity for university students to interact and meet with Mr. Smith in a more formal situation. The local art cinema has a goal to increase attendance in the K-12 and college student sectors, so this screening helped to meet many goals in the Ithaca community. There was a post screening discussion that was moderated by Patricia Zimmermann, a documentary film scholar and FLEFF co-director, focused on the aesthetic and epistemological challenges of representing polar bears within their natural habitat. The post screening discussion was also opened up to the audience.
An independent filmmaker, Mr. Smith uses cutting-edge tools to bring the Arctic to audiences worldwide. Digital cinema—a rapidly growing technology-- is revolutionizing, and democratizing, the way in which images meet the screen. Using Hollywood-grade cinema technology, Mr. Smith's capacity to translate the Arctic is on par with the epic scale of the place itself. Mr. Smith has received many awards for his work, especially his 2008 natural history documentary about Alaska polar bears, Ice Bears of the Beaufort. Two other works in production include: Bears of the Last Frontier, a two-part PBS "Nature" program for which Arthur provided cinematography from Alaska's eastern and western arctic; and Heaven's Shore, a short cultural documentary produced at the invitation of the mayor of Kaktovik, Alaska. His work has also appeared on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Films, and the Discovery Channel.
Summary:
Mr. Merculieff traveled from Anchorage, Alaska to the small rural town of Monmouth, Oregon, home of Western Oregon University and the Paul Jensen Arctic Museum. Western is the oldest public university west of the Rocky Mountains and the Jensen is one of only two museums in the U.S. specializing in the Arctic. Mr. Merculieff's presentations focused on Indigenous Elder Wisdom from a variety of perspectives for several different audiences over two days, 23-24 February 2011.
Mr. Merculieff arrived in Oregon Tuesday evening on the 22ndFebruary and began his lectures the next morning at 9:00 with a youth presentation to Kings Valley Charter School middle-school students and their teachers entitled "The True Intelligence of the Real Human Being." As Mr. Merculieff describes it: "This talk will focus on the major elements of my traditional upbringing from age 4 to age 13. How it is to be raised in a way where I was never told what to do or how to do something. The responsibility of the adults was to expose me to self-learning experiences where I was expected to watch, listen, and learn, using what we call the "true intelligence of the real human being." By age 7 I was given my first rifle and shotgun as a rite of passage of a traditional hunter. The traditional hunter is successful because the hunter is totally connected to everything in the environment, including the fish and wildlife. In the traditional way, young people are never given instructions and are always encouraged daily. This is a true story of a people who are profoundly connected to the places they live and how such people learn from all living things." The event was extremely well attended with standing room only.
Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 Mr. Merculieff will addressed a campus and community forum on "Indigenous Elder Wisdom for Modern Times: Why It is Needed To Shift Paradigms That Are Pushing Earth's Life Support Systems to the Edge." This talk focused on the great spiritual and practical wisdom of indigenous elders from my Aleut tradition and the traditions across the world. The speaker is a messenger for wisdomkeepers from many traditions who follow what is commonly known as "The Original Teachings" given to people of all traditions on the planet. There was a time when all humans could speak what is called "The Language of One," allowing plants, animals, and humans to communicate with each other. It was a time when there was no separation between people and between people and all living things. The indigenous elders from across the world are now stepping forward to share what they know and understand about the world we are living in today and what we need to do to change the course of destruction of Mother Earth. The speaker put prophecies in their proper context." A reception followed, providing opportunities for informal interaction with the speaker. The same day Mr. Merculieff also was the guest at a faculty luncheon hosted by the Vice Provost of WOU.
On Thursday morning Mr. Merculieff and hosts traveled to Chemawa Indian School in Salem, about 20 miles from Monmouth. Chemawa, the oldest continuously operating Native American boarding school in the United States, celebrating its 130th birthday Pow Wow a few days after Mr. Merculieff's visit. He spoke to high school science students at a student assembly on "Bridging Between Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Cartesian Based Western Science: Why Is It Needed and What Can Indigenous Ways Offer to Better Understand Nature." In his description of the talk, Mr. Merculieff says: "Indigenous and western science are fundamentally different in that indigenous science has, as its foundation, what is commonly referred to as spirituality. The speaker will discuss how the western world is struggling to understand the "Indigenous Mind," let alone use these ways of knowing to deal with modern day challenges. The indigenous sciences around the world are marginalized because of misunderstandings, misperceptions, and simple ignorance. The speaker also talked about the "good" and "not so good" experiences of attending boarding school and how he was able to change a negative experience into a positive one." This was a homecoming for Mr. Merculieff - as he was a student at Chemawa in his youth.
After lunch with students at Chemawa, Mr. Merculieff returned to Western Oregon to meet at 1:00 with a university anthropology class for highlights from the public presentation of the previous afternoon and the opportunity to ask questions raised by their study of arctic cultures.
The final event, on Thursday afternoon at 3:00, was a teambuilding workshop entitled "Traditional Ways, The Ways of the Real Human Being, Elder Wisdom, and Team Building That Can Change Self and the World." We appreciated the opportunity for a shared experience by groups from across campus - students, faculty, staff, and administrators - as we learned under Mr. Merculieff's guidance. He explains: "Generally speaking, modern institutions utilize western concepts of team and team building and place traditional ways in the category of "history" or "the past" with no utility for modern times. Nothing could be further from the truth. This interactive workshop explored the myriad of ways used by indigenous cultures to unify the "mind" of the group so that everyone's contribution is valued and used, and how use of connecting and peaceful language of mind, body, and spirit can bring greater results than the use of "majority and minority." Participants learned how to express seemingly polarized viewpoints without alienating any participant on the team. Experientially, participants learned a new way of listening, expressing their thoughts, how one's truth is as equally valid as another's truth, and why indigenous ways are so critical in these modern times fraught with conflict, one-upmanship, and competition."
Mr. Merculieff thoroughly enjoyed his time in Oregon stating it was, "one of the most organized public speaking tour I'ver ever participated in my career." The tour was widely covered by the local media as well as the student newspaper. All events were well attended and Mr. Merculieff was even able to do a live talk show on the campus radio program. Mr. Merculieff says, "All in all, a wonderful experience for me. I've come back with my backpack and suitcase filled with gifts from people in the different venues. I felt very welcome wherever I went and my hosts were most gracious. I thoroughly enjoyed it." Please see more on the tour here:http://wounews.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/larry_merculieff/
Summary:
Dr. Daniel White traveled from Fairbanks, Alaska to Homer, Alaska to present several programs on water resources. His presentations concentrated on climate change in relation to water resources and how that will effect human infrastructure and how we manage water.
Dr. White presented to Ms. Vicki Lowe's advanced sciences classes at West Homer High School on 8 February. He gave three presentations to the students and was available to answer questions on the subject. That night he presented to the community of Homer at the Islands and Oceans Visitor Center a lecture titled, "Homer, Water and Climate."
These presentations are hosted by the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBRR). KBRR is a team of researchers, educators and support staff working to develop a better understanding of ecological processes in the Gulf of Alaska, with emphasis on Lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. In 1999, Kachemak Bay was designated as part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve system; a national network of 28 estuaries representing different biogeographic regions of the United States that are protected for long-term research water-quality monitoring, education and coastal stewardship. KBRR's mission is to enhance understanding and appreciation of the Kachemak Bay estuary and adjacent waters to ensure that these ecosystems remain healthy and productive.
Read Dr. White's description of his lecture:
Alaska's water resources vary greatly in abundance, distribution, and seasonality. From Southeast rainforests with glaciers and snowsheds to the Arctic desert, Alaska has it all. The form and frequency of precipitation is affected by interannual, decadal, and millennial changes in climate. Understanding the impact of climate on water resources within the design life of human infrastructure is critical to understanding maintenance and operation of the infrastructure. For example, when constructing water treatment plants, we must understand the capacity of a given water source to supply water for the design life of the system. During warm climate periods, less precipitation falls as snow, resulting in less storage capacity of a given watershed. During a warm event in the Pacific Northwest, including the Pacific Coast of Alaska, less water is stored as snow. Less "natural" water storage will mean that more water needs to be stored in retention structures to serve late summer water demand by people and ecosystems.
2010 Tours
Summary:
Author Charles Wohlforth (The Whale and the Supercomputer; The Fate of Nature), spoke to students of the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA) on November 10, 2010. ORCA is an early college high school academy found on the campus of Everett Community College, located in Everett, Washington. ORCA uses the local marine environment as the unifying theme to integrate the core academic disciplines. Students at ORCA have been studying Wohlforth's work on arctic science and the importance of culture in environmental issues.
Charles' main talk featured a 40-minute slide lecture on ocean and arctic environmental problems. He focused on how changes in social norms affect the human relationship with nature, and how understanding these are key to addressing issues of climate change, sea ice loss, and ocean acidification. The talk entwined many branches of learning including physical science, economics, anthropology, psychology, and the influence of spirituality.
Along with the presentation, Charles also conducted a question-and-answer session with the 85 ORCA students and the invited Everett Community College students and instructors. Charles states, "The preparation of the students was nothing short of extraordinary. The level of discussion in each of the sessions was at a level as high or higher than I encounter with graduate students and college faculty." Those invited included Global Studies students and the deans of the Math and Science and Social Science divisions.
Following the large group question-and-answer session, Charles hosted smaller break-out sessions with English teacher Josh Searle and the first year ORCA students currently enrolled in a course entitled "Negotiating Nature." The class has been reading excerpts from Charles' latest book, and had the opportunity to discuss with Charles how the human perspective of nature informs how humans value nature.
A faculty luncheon for Charles was hosted by ORCA. Interested Everett Community College faculty were also in attendance.
Summary:
Dr. Robert McGhee visited Cordova, Alaska on 1-3 November 2010. He presented several programs during his visit to community members, students, Native Elders, and Native Corporation staff. His programs compared the perception of the Arctic as seen through the written history of western civilization, to the perception of the Arctic as viewed through the eyes of the native Inuit people over time through the study of archaeology.
Dr. McGhee arrived in Cordova Monday evening. His first scheduled appearance was on Tuesday morning to Cordova Middle and High School students. He then presented his program to the Native Elders and Native Corporation staff during a potluck luncheon.
Following the luncheon, Dr. McGhee went to the U.S. Forest Service local office and gave a presentation to the Cordova community. The community presentation was broadcast live to the Prince William Sound Community College in Valdez, Alaska where attendees had the opportunity to interact and ask questions. Dr. McGhee left Cordova on Wednesday afternoon to return to his home in Canada.
Read Dr. McGhee's description of his lecture:
The Last Imaginary Place
To southerners the Arctic is seen as a region of alien landscapes, a place of dangerous and icy beauty. This perception is filtered through millennia of rumor and travelers' tales that have reached more southerly regions. Since the time of the ancient Greeks, stories of frozen seas, unicorn horns, and endless daylight have gradually accumulated to form the fantastic Arctic that is seen through the window of western culture. Although a century of scientific exploration has yielded a more realistic view of the arctic environment, it has done little to challenge the prevailing perception of arctic peoples as the isolated survivors of an ancient and primitive way of life. Archaeology provides a much different picture of Inuit history, one that is varied, interesting, and driven by the same motives of personal accomplishment and economic advantage as any other people. Southerners, and southern-based governments, should be aware of the consequences of dealing with real people as the products of our historical imagination.
Summary:
In May 2010 Dr. David Klein, Professor Emeritus with the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, visited Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center on 7 and 8 May to present several programs on changes taking place on the top of the Earth.
On Friday Dr. Klein met with middle and high school students to discuss arctic ecology as it relates to climate change. That evening he presented 'An Evening in the Arctic' to the community in Sci-Port's SWECPO Demonstration Theater. He discussed changing arctic ecology and compared and contrasted many of the characteristics of Louisiana's ecology to arctic ecology. In addition, Dr. Klein spent some time discussing the recent Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico and some lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez incident in Alaska.
The next morning he offered an Educator Training. Dr. Klein presented hands-on activities, expert training and background information on arctic ecology and the indigenous people of that region. Educators left ready to implement many new activities in their classrooms. In the afternoon visitors of all ages joined Dr. Klein to look, listen and learn about the plants, animals and indigenous peoples of the arctic and subarctic region. Hands-on activities centered on understanding the Arctic were available for all to explore.
Dr. David Klein retired as Senior Scientist and Professor Emeritus at the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He had been with the Coop Unit and a faculty member in the Biology and Wildlife program at UAF since 1962. He is now Professor Emeritus with the Institute of Arctic Biology, UAF. His research interests are in arctic ecology, plant-animal interactions, adaptations of arctic terrestrial mammals, arctic grazing systems (reindeer and caribou habitat relations, indigenous people relationships), northern development and associated environmental impacts and their mitigation, and winter ecology in the Arctic and Subarctic. He has made significant contributions to understanding the ecology, management, and conservation of large mammals and arctic and subarctic ecosystems, working primarily in Alaska, but also Canada, Siberia, Greenland, Svalbard, and Scandinavia.
Sci-Port: Louisiana's Science Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center featuring 290 hands-on exhibits, a Space Dome Planetarium, IMAX Dome Theatre, demonstration theater, daily changing programs, gift shop and cafe.
Summary:
In April 2010 Allen Marquette, the Community Education Program Coordinator for the Prince William Sound Science Center traveled via ferry from Cordova, Alaska to Valdez, Alaska with his crate full of skulls, bones, and teeth in preparation for his lectures in Valdez. These artifacts helped demonstrate Allen's interests in the plants, animals, and climate of Alaska during the Pleistocene epoch.
Allen spent the morning of 23 April at the Hermon Hutchens Elementary School talking with the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders about the plants and animals of Pleistocene Alaska. During their lunch, Allen met with 1st through 3rd graders to talk about the animals that roamed Alaska during the same epoch.
In the afternoon Allen went to the George H. Gilson Junior High School Life Science 7th grade class to discuss some of the more unique adaptations, animal behaviors and relationships that Ice Age animals had during the Pleistocene Epoch.
Allen also had the opportunity to speak to the general public at the Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum. The Maxine and Jesse Whitney Museum contains one of the largest collections of Native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. The collection was donated by Ms. Whitney to Prince William Sound Community College in 1998. Please see below for the advertisement for the lecture being held at the museum:
2.5 million to 12,000 years ago strange creatures roamed this land – huge and powerful beasts with amazing adaptations. Glaciers and permafrost still dominated much of the land. What was Alaska like then? Steppe horses roamed North America, as did giant ground sloths, woolly mammoths, mastodons and bears standing twice as large as the coastal brown bears of modern day Alaska! Come learn more about them. See and touch actual fossils and reproductions.
Allen Marquette has been the Community Education Program Coordinator for the Prince William Sound Science Center for the last seven years. This includes managing a Discovery Room program set up for K-6 graders. He also runs a community education program that provides science lectures to the community of Cordova on a weekly basis. He states, "I love science and the ability to share my passion with others... To share the wow factor in science... Especially with kids!"
Summary:
In April 2010 Orville Huntington travelled to Charleston, Illinois to present at Eastern Illinois University. Orville spoke with EIU students enrolled in the class Hunters and Gatherers. His two articles, "The Significance of Context in Community-Based Research" and "They're here – I can feel them: the epistemic spaces of Indigenous and Western Knowledge" will be the basis for his lecture to the EIU students. Orville's research interests include: impacts of subsistence on fish, animals, and plants of northern ecosystems; the evaluation of current policy and regulations and their affects on the subsistence methods and means of harvesting fish, wildlife, and plants; and the use of Native American Traditional Ecological Knowledge to better understand how global climate change is affecting the subsistence resources in northern areas. Orville's public lecture was titled, "Coping with Climate Change in Native Alaska, presented at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Lecture Hall on 21 April. Orville also had the opportunity to visit Carl Sandburg Elementary School where he talked with the third graders about climate change and the effects in his community. The third graders have been immersed in a unit about Native American culture and history. The hope of the tour is to broaden EIU student's cultural horizons, as EIU is composed of less than 1% Native American/Alaskan Eskimo students. Orville's main focus is on the preservation of Native subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping opportunities and the cultural significance of these events.
2009 Tours
Summary:
In November 2009 Randall Zarnke traveled to the community of Cordova, Alaska to share his wealth of information on trapping safety and the effects of diseases and parasites on population ecology of wildlife species. While in Cordova he visited a Boy Scout Troop to show them how various traps and snares operate. They also viewed a film called, "Sharing Alaska's Trails." Zarnke interviewed a local Cordova elder about his experiences with hunting, trapping, and fishing in coastal Alaska. Cordova's Hunter Safety Class, which is a class of K–12 students and their parents, also met with Mr. Zarnke to talk about a parasite found in moose meat. Mr. Zarnke spoke to the general public as part of the Cordova Community Science Public Lecture Series to discuss correct operation of traps and snares, how to reduce conflicts between trappers and pleasure trail users, and how students could pursue careers in science. His last visit was with the head librarian who is also the head of the local historical society; they discussed the history of fox farming in Prince William Sound. As an extension of his visit, Zarnke also plans to be a guest on the public radio affiliate to discuss parasites and diseases in Alaskan wildlife.
Zarnke received his Ph.D. in Veterinary Science and Wildlife Ecology in 1978 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focused on latent viruses in snowshoe hares. He also received his M.Sc. from the same university. Through the Wildlife Society, Zarnke became a Certified Wildlife Biologist in 1981. He is a member of the Wildlife Disease Association and a member of the Speakers' Bureau for the Alaska Trapper's Association.
Summary:
In April 2009 Michelle Ridgway traveled to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska to share her experiences in Alaska ocean exploration. Michelle spoke to the scientific staff, students from Seward High School marine biology class, and the general public.
Michelle has been doing research in Alaska for over 20 years and her findings are of great interest to the staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Her most recent focus is on the unique role of submarine canyons. Michelle is studying continental margin geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and attempting to quantify chemosynthetically-derived carbon sources feeding into northern foodwebs.
A lifelong Alaskan, Michelle has engaged in marine ecological research and exploration in Alaskan Arctic and Subarctic waters. From coastal kelp forests to deep-sea habitats, she has examined the role of physical and biogenic features in supporting the diversity and abundance of species in Alaskan seas. As a diver, submarine pilot and ROV operator, Michelle continues to probe the depths of Alaskan marine waters using cutting edge technology to examine facets of some of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world.
2008 Tours
Summary:
In September, Angaangaq Lyberth visited Montpelier, VT. Angaangaq was hosted by the non-profit organization EarthWalk Vermont. Lyberth gave workshops at various public venues and a special presentation at EarthWalk, a nonprofit community promoting nature education.
Angaangaq Lyberth visited Montpelier in 2007, and spoke to the Montpelier Community Justice Center on the "Use of Circles" in conflict resolution. Since his last visit, many people have asked for his return especially those who were not able to attend his previous workshops. Thus, Lyberth is visiting Montpelier again to sew into the lives of the families in the EarthWalk community, with traditional teachings, songs and stories from the Arctic region.
Angaangaq Lyberth is a Native of Greenland and a resident of Canada, and is fondly known as "Uncle" to his acquaintances and friends, clearly understands the effects of climate change and globalization on the northern regions. In this time, when our lives are divided between the global community and our traditional ties with nature, Lyberth provides a wealth of valuable insight that has been passed through the generations of elders in his community. He aims to help young people and their families become effective members of our contemporary society and maintain traditional unity the environment around us. Uncle has addressed audiences in more than 40 countries on a wide range of issues, including the impact of climate change on the indigenous peoples of the arctic region.
Summary:
Presentations
In April 2008 Jonathan Waterman traveled to the Center for Northern Studies at Sterling College in Vermont to share his unique perspective on the North and his views on the environment, politics, and preservation.
Jonathan spoke to members of Sterling College faculty, students, and the general public. During his time at Sterling College, he ate with the students, joined classes and met with students who have read his writing as part of their coursework. He also presented a free public lecture entitled "Oil Versus Wilderness & Climate Change in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" at Sterling College. Jonathan also spoke at the Craftsbury Academy – a local public junior/senior high school – located next door to Sterling College. He discussed issues related to environmental preservation and natural resource exploration in Alaska.
Jonathan Waterman is an author, filmmaker, and lecturer specializing in northern issues. He brings a unique perspective on the North and is an experienced mountaineer and explorer as well as a professional photographer and passionate advocate for the environment. He has told stories in many of his books that effectively bring the landscape and experience of the North to diverse audiences (he has authored 9 books on the North and many articles for various publications including National Geographic Adventure). Jonathan is an NEA Literary Fellow and has won numerous literary awards as well as an Emmy for the film, Surviving Denali. Jonathan Waterman lives in Carbondale, Colorado and is internationally renowned for an adventure career that has explored wilderness, culture, and the environment.
Summary:
In March 2008 Dr. Kathleen Osgood Dana traveled to Borgarnes, Iceland and Rovaniemi, Finland to deliver talks on contemporary indigenous literature of the North.
While in Iceland, Kati addressed students at Bifröst University. She also presented a lecture titled, "Saana, Malla, and the Tears of Kilpis" to a local classroom, with the assistance of Dûra Eyland Garéirsdottir.
Kati then traveled to Rovaniemi, Finland to present at the Arctic Centre, University of Lapland. She delivered two separate lectures titled, "The Shaman as poet in a postcolonial northern world" and "The indigenous author as ecologist." While not presenting at the Arctic Centre, Kati spoke at the Steiner School with the assistance of Outi Snellman. While in Rovaniemi, Kati also attended an evening showing of the film "Northern Images."
Dr. Kathleen Osgood Dana is a comparative literature scholar at the University of the Arctic in Vermont. Her primary interests are in contemporary indigenous literature of the North, particularly as a tool of cultural revival and survival.
Kati has extensive experience presenting talks to an array of audiences. Since the 1980s, she has been talking to groups as varied as Girl Scouts and international arctic social scientists, laypeople, and indigenous students. For a week in May 2002 Kati brought her doctoral research about circumpolar native literature to students in the literature department at Sakha State University in Yakutsk, Siberia as part of an Arctic Visiting Speakers Tour. Kati has said she likes "the challenge of adapting materials to a particular audience."
Summary:
The German & Scandinavian Studies division of the Languages, Literatures and Cultures department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst were pleased to host the United States debut screening of the Viking film Embla (2007) with the film's award-winning Icelandic director Hrafn Gunnlaugsson present to introduce the film and discuss his work. The film is an Icelandic-Swedish co- production. The screening, which was open to the public, took place on February 15, 2008.
The film screening was the opening event of the third biennial graduate student conference, MYTH: A Graduate Conference in German and Scandinavian Studies, which took place February 15-17, 2008. There was also be a reception along with the screening. While in Amherst, Hrafn also presented to drama students at Amherst Regional High School, including screening film clips and engaging in an interactive discussion.
Born in 1948, Hrafn Gunnlaugsson received his training in theater and film at the University of Stockholm and the Swedish Dramatic Institute. A multifaceted artist, Gunnlaugsson has served as director, scriptwriter, and musical soundtrack composer for all of his films. Among his many awards, he was named Best Director by the Swedish Film Institute in 1985 for Hrafninn flygur. In 2006 the Icelandic Postal Service created a stamp honoring the film as a seminal work in the history of that nation's cinema. In addition to his many films, Gunnlaugsson has directed works for television and the theater, and has published poetry, short stories, a one-act play, and a novel.
Summary:
The release of CO2 emissions through the burning of fossil fuels is well known as impacting of global warming. Less well known is that through absorbing atmospheric CO2, the world's oceans and, in particular, the Arctic's oceans are becoming more acidic. In February 2008, Dr. Richard Feely traveled to Anchorage, AK and presented at the, "Climate Change: Oceans, Fisheries & Marine Mammals" Workshop at the Alaska Forum on the Environment. The Forum attracted a very diverse audience, including students, scientists, tribal leaders, government representatives, community members, representatives from Native and environmental organizations, and industry. In addition to presenting to adult participants at the Alaska Forum on the Environment, Dr. Feely gave a presentation to 6-8th grade students from Pacific Northern Academy at the Forum.
Dr. Feely also traveled to Homer, AK where he presented at an assembly at the Homer High School, and at a public event at the Pratt Museum. Richard then traveled to Kodiak, AK and presented at Kodiak High School as well as meeting with NOAA personal working in Kodiak. In the evening there was a presentation open to community members.
Dr. Richard A. Feely is a Supervisory Oceanographer at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle. He also holds an affiliate full professor faculty position at the University of Washington School of Oceanography. His major research areas are carbon cycling in the oceans and ocean acidification processes. He is the country's leading scientist on ocean acidification. He clearly explains the chemistry behind this phenomenon and the impacts it has on marine organisms.
Summary:
During February 2008, writer Charles Wohlforth delivered illustrated presentations on arctic marine habitats and conservation, and the role of native peoples and global warming. Mr. Wohlforth lectured at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) to a group of approximately 50-100 people, consisting of PTMSC members and volunteers, local students and teachers, residents, and visitors to Fort Worden State Park.
While in Port Townsend, Charles met with Americorps young people. He also presented a talk titled "Writing About Eskimos and Climate Change," to students from Blue Heron Middle School and Port Townsend High School.
Charles Wohlforth is a lifelong Alaska resident and was lead reporter on the Exxon Valdez oil spill for the Anchorage Daily News. In 1993 he became a full-time freelance writer. Mr. Wohlforth has a unique perspective on arctic science, combining extensive experience with scientists, local native peoples and a journalist's understanding of how best to communicate with the general public. Charles authored the book, The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change. This book, written for a general audience, explores arctic climate change from the perspective of Eskimo whalers and scientific researchers in Barrow, Alaska. Charles illustrates the challenges and rewards resulting from the knowledge exchange between these two cultures, and delves into broader social issues concerning global warming.
Summary:
In February and early March of 2008, Professor Emeritus Dave Klein traveled to, both Oslo, Norway, and Lisbon, Portugal to present about and discuss with participants the hot button topic of climate change. Dr. Klein gained insight into how Europeans are responding to the climate change issue to contrast with his Alaskan and North American perspective. He delivered talks to university students, faculty, and staff members, as well as presenting at primary and secondary schools and community events.
While in Norway and Portugal, Dr. Klein discussed the following topics:
- The developing human ethos in a changing global environment - a North American perspective
- Climate change in the North - natural and human system responses
- Wildlife conservation and management in a changing climate
During his trip to Norway from 1-29 February, Dave delivered guest lectures to international students attending a master's course on "Cultural Approaches to the Environment". Then during his visit to Portugal from 1-7 March 2008, Dr. Klein presented to faculty, and students (post doctoral, graduate and undergraduate), and general public, high school and possibly elementary school students.
Dr. Klein retired as Senior Scientist and Professor Emeritus at the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He had been with the Coop Unit and a faculty member in the Biology and Wildlife program at UAF since 1962. He is now Professor Emeritus with the Institute of Arctic Biology, UAF. His research interests are in arctic ecology, plant-animal interactions, adaptations of arctic terrestrial mammals, arctic grazing systems (reindeer and caribou habitat relations, indigenous people relationships), northern development and associated environmental impacts and their mitigation, and winter ecology in the Arctic and sub-arctic. Professor Klein is a leading authority on the topics of climate change and its relation to wildlife and on the topic of environmental philosophy.
2007 Tours
Summary:
In November 2007 Angaangaq Lyberth or "Uncle" as he is known traveled to Montpelier, Vermont. While there Uncle delivered a talk at the Montpelier Community Justice Center on the "Use of Circles" in conflict resolution. He also addressed the public about lessons he had learned about the changing world and offered wisdom imparted by the Elders of his community during several events over two days. These events included a public lecture the evening of November 29th at the library in Montpelier, an intensive community workshop all day on November 30th, and a community family night the evening of November 30th. He also performed a Sunrise/water ceremony on the morning of December 1, 2007.
Angaangaq Lyberth is a Kalaallit Inuk, a carrier of the traditional Qilaut-drum, and an Angakkuq-Shaman, whose family belongs to a long line of Traditional Healers from the west coast of Greenland. His name, Angaangaq, means "The Man Who Looks Like His Uncle."
Angaangaq, or "Uncle" as he is known around the Globe, has addressed audiences in more than 40 countries on a wide range of issues, including the impact of climate change on the indigenous peoples of the arctic region. He conveys his message through a combination of storytelling, song and drumming, and dialogue with program participants. Angaangaq is also a skilled mediator and facilitator, helping resolve intra-familial and tribal/community disputes through the use of talking circles.
Summary:
In November 2007 Caleb Pungowiyi traveled to Texas A&M University located in College Station, Texas. While in Texas Caleb spoke with 3-5th grade students at Allen Academy and science students at Cypress Grove Intermediate School. He also participated in class discussions and lectured about sustainable arctic communities during a Texas A&M upper level Geology course. After his lecture he met with faculty, and researchers at Texas A&M for more informal discussions. Caleb also met with Geology students in an informal setting while in College Station.
Caleb Pungowiyi is a Yup'ik Eskimo who was born and raised on Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island. He has extensive experience as a spokesperson and advocate for Native concerns and traditional knowledge in regional, national, and international policy matters.
Mr. Pungowiyi is a former President and CEO of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference and of the Robert Aqqaluk Newlin, Sr. Memorial Trust in Kotzebue, Alaska. Other past services include the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs Advisory Committee, Marine Mammal Commission's Special Advisor on Native Affairs, Inuit Circumpolar Conference Executive Council, the Steering Committee of the Alaska Native Science Commission, the Polar Research Board Committee on Bering Sea Ecosystems, the Advisory Panel on Arctic Impacts from Soviet Nuclear Contamination, the Native American Rights Fund, the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, the Bering Sea Impact Study (a subcommittee of the International Arctic Science Committee), the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S., and the Alaska Conservation Foundation.
Summary:
In late October 2007 Peter Irniq traveled to Bristol, Rhode Island and visited the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology on the Brown University Campus. On Friday, October 26th, Mr. Irniq presented a lecture entitled "An Inuit Perspective on Global Climate Change" at Manning Hall gallery at Brown University.
Then following on Saturday and Sunday October 27-28, Mr. Irniq constructed an Inuksuk or "likeness of a person," for an audience on the Bristol Campus. An Inuksuk is a stone figure that acts as a beacon for travelers in Canada's north, symbolizing the strength, leadership, and motivation of the Inuit. There were also crafts and activities for kids and families. Also, on Saturday and Sunday, Mr. Irniq spoke about Inuksuit, Inuit culture, language, Inuit Traditional Knowledge, and the creation of Nunavut. These talks were more informal for a public audience.
Peter T. Irniq is a former Commissioner of Nunavut, an Inuit cultural teacher and an artist. He has lived most of his life in Nunavut, though he has also lived in the Western Arctic (Northwest Territories), Manitoba and Ontario. Peter is an Inuit Canadian and served as the second Commissioner of Nunavut from April of 2000 to April of 2005. Mr. Irniq currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
Throughout his professional life Mr. Irniq has focused on advancing Inuit culture and language. As Commissioner of Nunavut, he was a respected spokesperson who worked in the territory, nationally and internationally to connect all people to Nunavut, its culture and its history.
Summary:
In July 2007 researcher Ken Tape traveled to Denver, Colorado to present a talk titled "Climate Warming and the Changing Arctic Landscape: Repeat Photography of Vegetation, Glaciers, and Permafrost." His presentation used old photographs of the Arctic that have been repeated recently, and the comparison of old and new photos reveal the landscape changes underway in the arctic. He delivered his talk at the Denver Open Media (DOM) studio run by Deproductions. DOM is a public access television station with a live audience of over 50 people in the studio and with a broadcast audience as large as 300,000 viewers in the Denver metro area. His presentation aimed at exposing a diverse audience to climate change issues.
Ken presented a talk titled "Dog-mushing under the Northern Lights" about his winter experiences in the Arctic to a group of students participating in the "Weld County Partners" summer program in Greeley, CO. The program is part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program funded by the United Way. Both talks were promoted and publicized by DOM and the Denver Public Library.
Ken has written for technical and popular journals, and is currently writing a book about climate change for the general public called "Climate Warming and the Changing Landscape of Northern Alaska: Repeat Photography of Shrubs, Trees, Glaciers, and Permafrost" (University of Alaska Press). The book will cover the same topics as his talk in Denver, while also interweaving the experiences and observations of individuals involved in the initial photography (taken in the 1940's). Current photography and ground measurements for future generations will also be discussed.
Summary:
In April 2007, Dr. Dennis Darby attended and presented at the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting held 27-29 April 2007 at Central College in Pella, Iowa. He was a guest at the Iowa Junior Academy of Science Awards Luncheon and the Iowa Academy of Science President's Dinner, after which he presented a talk titled "The Role of the Arctic Ocean in Global Climate Change?" Dr. Darby was on-hand at many different sessions at the Iowa Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting and was thrilled to meet and talk to many of the meeting participants.
Dr. Darby also presented a talk, "HOTRAX and the Effort to Unlock the Past Climatic Secrets of the Arctic," to approximately 100 chemistry students at Pella High School. Additionally, he spoke to six senior environmental science majors at Central College in Pella, IA.
Dennis Darby is Professor of Geological Oceanography in the Department of Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences at Old Dominion University, where he has been since 1977. He earned his B.S. in 1966 and his M.S. in 1968, both in Geology, from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Geology and Oceanography in 1971 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His research focuses on the paleoclimatology and paleoceanography of the Arctic. Dr. Darby has served on a number of national committees and organizing groups, including the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program Ocean-Atmosphere-Ice Interaction Science Steering Committee and the Arctic Program Planning Group of Joint Oceanographic Institutions for Deep Earth Sampling (JOIDES).
Dr. Darby recently led two successful coring expeditions to the central Arctic as part of the Healy-Oden Trans-Arctic Expedition (HOTRAX). This historic expedition, only the second crossing of the central Arctic by icebreakers, collected nearly 500 meters of sediment core and used multibeam swath mapping of the seafloor and chirp seismic to profile the sub-bottom in the upper 50 meters.
Summary:
In February 2007, Dr. Tingjun Zhang traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska to speak at the 7th International Conference on Global Change: Connection to the Arctic (GCCA-7). He also shared his experiences and knowledge of permafrost, seasonally frozen ground, and their impacts on cold regions climate and hydrological cycles, as well as his experiences in helping to build the Tibetan Railroad, with elementary, undergraduate, and graduate students in Fairbanks.
Dr. Zhang presented four different seminars about permafrost and climate change to faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). He also presented a lecture to UAF engineering students and faculty titled, "Frozen Ground and Hydrological Cycle." Dr. Zhang met with students and faculty from the International Arctic Research Center (IARC), the Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC) and College of Engineering and Mines (CEM) at UAF. These meetings were structured to foster an informal exchange of ideas between Dr. Zhang and graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Zhang also met with a group of K-5th grade students at the University Park Elementary School in Fairbanks and presented a slide show about his experiences constructing the Tibetan railroad and life at high altitude cold regions verses life at high latitude cold regions.
Dr. Zhang is a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), part of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research interests focus on land surface processes in cold seasons and cold regions, especially on snow cover, permafrost, seasonally frozen ground, and their impacts on cold regions climate and hydrological cycles. Zhang worked with colleagues on permafrost and railroad construction on the Tibetan Plateau and on changes in permafrost conditions on the Russian arctic hydrological cycle.
Summary:
In February 2007 Stephen Roe participated in the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE), an annual event designed to introduce scientific information, share traditional knowledge, and provide solutions to promote a clean and sustainable environment. The conference recorded over 1,200 attendees last year, and a similar number of participants attended this meeting. A large percentage of forum participants were Alaska Native, many whom flew in from remote villages throughout the state. Other attendees included scientists, citizens, regulators and tribal leaders.
As part of his tour, Mr. Roe also participated in a large meeting convened by the Mayor of Anchorage for business leaders; a high school presentation organized by Alaska Youth for Environmental Action; and an evening public presentation that will be widely advertised. Mr. Roe participated in a radio interview, two newspaper interviews, and a meeting with the faculty and students associated with the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research.
Stephen Roe is a Senior Scientist at E.H. Pechan and Associates, Inc., a private air quality consulting firm. He is also affiliated with the Center for Climate Strategies, a non-profit organization that specializes in assisting states and local agencies in developing climate change action plans. At Pechan, Mr. Roe directs work on toxic air pollutant emissions studies, climate change, and private sector regulatory support. In recent years, Mr. Roe has consulted for federal agencies (U.S. EPA, Environment Canada), air quality regional planning organizations, many state and local agencies, and private industry. Mr. Roe's areas of expertise include the development of emission inventories for toxic and criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases/aerosols, as well as control programs covering all of these pollutants. He is a leading expert on the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions in Alaska and on measures to curb emissions.
Summary:
In February 2007 Corell participated in the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE), an annual event designed to introduce scientific information, share traditional knowledge, and provide solutions to promote a clean and sustainable environment.
As part of his tour, Corell presented an overview of the state of climate change science to a group of approximately 80 - 100 people in an opening session of the AFE. The conference recorded over 1,200 attendees last year, and a similar number of participants attended this meeting. A large percentage of forum participants were Alaska Native, many of whom flew in from remote villages throughout the state. Other attendees include scientists, citizens, regulators, tribal leaders, etc.
In addition to the AFE presentation, Corell spoke to students at Pacific Northern Academy and Service High School and met with the new Commissioners based in Anchorage for the Arctic Research Commission. He was also available to meet with the press for interviews.
Robert Corell is the director of the Global Change Program at The H. John Heinz III Center. He was formerly a senior research fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is actively engaged in research concerned with global change and sustainability, in particular the interface between science and public policy. He served as chair of the steering committee for the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. Corell is an oceanographer and engineer by background and training.
2006 Tours
Summary:
In late September, Patricia Cochran, Executive Director of the Alaska Native Science Commission, traveled to California to lecture at Santa Clara University and Wilcox High School as part of the Arctic Visiting Speakers Program. Her university-wide presentation at the Santa Clara University School of Law covered Native perspectives on western science and environmentalism. At Wilcox High School she talked with Environmental Studies students about the impact of climate change on Alaska Native communities.
Summary:
In mid-September, Bill Fitzhugh, Director of the Arctic Studies Center at the Smithsonian Institution, traveled to Rhode Island to present lectures focused on "The Lure of Providence: Vikings, Romance, and Archaeology." His talks were part of a public mini-festival entitled "The Vikings Return!". The goal of the festival was to explore the history and culture of the Vikings, Viking Age exploration in North America and the North Atlantic region, and the roles Canada, New England, and Rhode Island played in the development of Americans' understanding of and preconceptions about the Viking Age.
Fitzhugh also spoke with Brown University students and faculty about current research on Vikings in North America.
Summary:
In July 2006, Larry Merculieff participated in the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) Conference, which was held in Seward, Alaska. As part of his tour, Merculieff spoke about Elder wisdom, traditional ways of knowing, global climate changes and their effects on the Bering Sea and Arctic, and traditional wisdom about relationship to the environment. This discussion covered the who, what, and where of traditional knowledge, traditional ways of living, the importance of subsistence and survival, and meaningful applications of traditional knowledge. He also talked about marine mammals in the context of climate change and industrialized fishing.
In addition to his participation in the NAME conference, Merculieff spoke to a public audience about his own life experiences and traditional relationship to birds, fish, marine mammals, the sea, and the Earth.
Summary:
Todd Sformo is a graduate student at University of Alaska Fairbanks in the labs of Drs. Brian Barnes (University of Alaska Fairbanks) and Jack Duman (University of Notre Dame). His research interests lie in how high latitude insects face the challenge of extreme cold. In early July, Sformo held a lecture at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska, on "Insects' Over-wintering Strategies in Alaska's Arctic" as part of the Dalton Visitors Service Program. The event was open to the public. Sformo has conducted much of his research in this area and was happy to present his findings at the visitor center to show his gratitude to the Wiseman community for their help in his project.
Summary:
Lee Huskey, a professor of economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage, participated in the Calotte Academy 2006, a forum focusing on northern issues held annually since 1991. This year’s meeting was held both in Finland and Norway in late May.
The North Calotte is a region of the European Arctic shared by the Nordic countries and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Inari is a municipality in northern Finland that falls within this region.
While in Finland, Huskey spoke as part of a themed session focusing on the geopolitics of North Calotte and the state of human development in Inari. He also contributed to a session on multiculturalism in Lapland and participated in a meeting of the Nordic-Russian Research Project to discuss northern Eurasian geopolitics. At the conclusion of these events, Huskey participated in a press conference launching the Finnish version of the Arctic Human Development Report (AHDR).
In Norway, Huskey contributed to a session entitled “New Northern Security: Climate Change, Flows of Globalization, Environmental Conflicts, Competing Hunt for Hydrocarbons and Borderless Space”, as well as another session focused on multiculturalism in Lapland. He participated in press conferences and interviews as part of this event as well.
Summary:
In early May, Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte traveled to Concord High School in New Hampshire to lecture about her work on tundra plants and climate change. The primary focus of her tour involved interactions with Mr. Tom Crumrine's students. Last summer, Crumrine traveled to Alaska to work with Bret-Harte and learn about the research she is conducting. Drawing on these experiences, made possible by the TREC program, Crumrine has worked with his students on projects that mimic what Bret-Harte does in the arctic. This tour provided a chance for Crumrine's students to present what they have learned to Bret-Harte; it also allowed her to visit the plots that they set up so that she could provide feedback on their research. Additionally, Bret-Harte spent time speaking with students who have an interest in pursuing science as a career providing an opportunity for them to ask questions about her work.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Jesse Ford of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University traveled to Norway in March 2005 to lecture about the environmental fate of trace metals in the Arctic. During her tour, Dr. Ford visited the Norwegian Institute for Air Research and presented a talk on the priorities and future challenges for monitoring trace metals in Arctic environments. At the Norwegian Polar Environmental Center in Tromsø, Dr. Ford gave two public lectures:
"The Potential Role of K–12 Classrooms in Contaminant Monitoring During the International Polar Year"
"Contaminant Monitoring During the International Polar Year: Potential Linkages with Arctic Indigenous Organizations, Institutions, and Communities"
At the University Centre in Svalbard, Dr. Ford gave a general introduction to trace metals in the Arctic; most audience members were graduate and postgraduate students in Arctic Environmental Technology.
Summary:
Noel Broadbent traveled to Rhode Island where he held lecture at the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology and Brown University. At the museum, he presented a public lecture entitled:
"Archaeology, Forensics, and the Mystery of the Andree Ballooning Expedition to the North Pole in 1897"
On 11 July 1897, S. A. Andree and two Swedish companions left the island of Svalbard attempting to reach the North Pole and cross the Arctic Ocean in a hydrogen balloon. Shortly thereafter, they disappeared. Their fate was unknown until 1930, when their camp and bodies were found on White Island in eastern Svalbard. Their diaries and amazing photographs, recovered from rolls of undeveloped film found at the site of their deaths, chronicle their journey. In 2000, Broadbent led an archaeological expedition to White Island, seeking to discover how and why they died.
Broadbent's talk was followed by a reception and the audience was able to speak with him about his lecture.
At Brown University, Dr. Broadbent spoke to the anthropology department graduate students about NSF proposals and arctic research and also to the campus community and general public on his current research in northern Scandinavia.
Summary:
Dr. Robert Wheelersburg of the Anthropology Department at Elizabethtown College traveled to the University of Greenland and the University of Copenhagen. At both universities he held lectures about the Saami (Lapp) portrayals in popular media and on the Saami perspective on Swedish compliance with European community requirements for indigenous resource use rights.
During his visit, Dr. Wheelersburg also taught a lesson in the bachelor level course "Inuit Cultures" providing a comparative perspective of the Saami as an indigenous people of the Arctic. Additionally he conducted a workshop on developing teaching activities about North American Indians who live outside the arctic culture area.
2005 Tours
Summary:
Alaskan author Charles Wohlforth traveled to California to present a series of slide lectures describing his book The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change. During his talks, Wohlforth described the Iñupiat whaling tradition and how it was shaped by climate change 1,000 years ago. He also discussed how the community of Barrow, Alaska is adapting to environmental changes today.
Wohlforth began his tour with a public lecture at San Francisco State University. He then traveled to Monterey and lectured at the Monterey Institute of International Studies as part of the school's Distinguished Speakers Series. A reception followed his presentation. Next Wohlforth traveled to Burbank and appeared on Airtalk with Larry Mantle. This show is broadcast on 89.3 KPCC public radio in Pasadena. Lastly, Wohlforth spoke to high school students at the Ocean Research College Academy, which is an early college high school academy in Everett, Washington. The Whale and the Supercomputer was a summer reading assignment and Wohlforth's lecture gave students the opportunity to ask him questions about his experiences in Barrow. Wohlforth interacted with approximately 200 people on this tour.
Summary:
Dr. Susan Lobo is a Distinguished Visiting Scholar in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She has also taught at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was the coordinator of the Center for Latin American Studies, and at the University of California, Davis. In September 2005, Lobo presented multiple public lectures at universities in Copenhagen, Denmark and Nuuk, Greenland.
At Ilismatusarfik in Greenland, Dr. Lobo presented "American Indians and the Urban Experience" focusing on demographics of urban migration, mobility patterns within cities and return migration to homelands, the role of community-based organizations, and the leadership of women in urban Native community-building. She also lectured on "Inuit in Urban Spaces" discussing identity and gender roles, networks of relatedness, and contemporary means of creating linkages between communities. Dr. Lobo met with students and faculty at Ilismatusarfik to discuss mutual interests in current and ongoing research regarding Native peoples' urbanization and modernization.
While in Copenhagen, Dr. Lobo gave a talk on "Urban American Indian Community-building" giving participants background on American Indian migration to urban areas since the 1950s. She also discussed the residence patterns in cities, including dispersed households, extended families, and the role of building alliance networks and community-based organizations. Emphasis was placed on contemporary issues and urban Indian community dynamics.
Summary:
Presentations
Todd Sformo is a graduate student at University of Alaska Fairbanks in the labs of Drs. Brian Barnes (UAF) and Jack Duman (University of Notre Dame). His research interests lie in how high latitude insects face the challenge of the extreme cold.
In late June, Sformo lectured at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska on the antifreeze proteins of arctic insects. The event was open to the public and the audience included travelers from the U.S. and around the world as well as residents from nearby communities. Because he has conducted much of his research in this area, Sformo was happy to present his findings at the visitor center to show his gratitude to the Wiseman community for their help in his project.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Ming-Ko Woo is a professor in the School of Geography and Geology at McMaster University in Canada. He is an internationally respected scientist and currently leads the Mackenzie GEWEX (Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment) Study that investigates the cold climate processes.
In late June, Dr. Woo traveled to the University of Alaska Southeast where he presented a lecture on the "Consequences of Climate Change and Variability for Northern Hydrology" and participated in informal discussion sessions with students, faculty, and the public. While in Juneau, he was also interviewed by a local newspaper.
Dr. Woo then traveled to the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he presented seminars on the "Research Contribution of the Mackenzie GEWEX Study to Cold Region Hydrology" and on the "Storage, Threshold, and Hydrological Connectivity in the Cold Region." Dr. Woo also visited with scientists at the Geophysical Institute, the International Arctic Research Center, and the Water and Environmental Research Center at UAF to discuss collaborative research on arctic climate and hydrology.
For the last part of his tour, Dr. Woo traveled to Denali Park where he presented a public lecture at the Denali Foundation as part of the Community Series Program.
Summary:
Presentations
In June of 2005, Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte presented a lecture at the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, Alaska. The center is located about halfway between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton Highway. Dr. Bret-Harte is conducting research at Toolik Field Station (TFS), an internationally recognized arctic research site located approximately 100 miles north of the visitor center, and she discussed her work on tundra plants and climate change. The event was open to the public and the audience was primarily composed of residents from the nearby communities of Coldfoot and Wiseman.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Rolf Gradinger from the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks participated in a climate change forum at the Wallace Stegner Center at the San Francisco Public Library in early June of 2005. As part of a panel discussion, Dr. Gradinger talked about the potential impacts of climate change with an emphasis on the Arctic. The event was open to the general public and the media. Michael Vassey from the Department of Environmental Studies at San Francisco State University moderated the event.
Speakers and topics included:
Stephen Schneider, Stanford University
Overview of climate change science and current projections
Rolf Gradinger, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Potential impacts of climate change with an emphasis on the Arctic
Wil Burns, University of Redlands
International and US responses to climate change
Daniel Kammen, University of California-Berkeley
Long-term solutions
Summary:
In March 2005, Dr. Daqing Yang, an associate research professor at the Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, traveled to Ontario to present seminars at the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), York University, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Yang is an internationally respected scientist with a strong publication record in the measurement of solid precipitation, and the hydrology of large Arctic basins. Both of these issues are priority areas of research both within the Meteorological Service of Canada, and in numerous major Canadian universities in the greater Toronto area.
Over 80 participants including scientists at the MSC, university faculty, undergraduate and graduate students benefited from interacting with Yang. The university lectures were structured to foster an informal exchange of ideas between Dr. Yang and graduate students. In addition to the seminars and lectures, Yang will spent time at the MSC office in Downsview continuing collaborative research on precipitation measurement in the Arctic with MSC personnel.
Summary:
Presentations
Elana Wilson, a Ph.D. student at the Scott Polar Research Institute currently researching political development in the circumpolar north, traveled to Vermont in late January and early February 2005. During her visit, Wilson presented lectures at Dartmouth and the Center for Northern Studies (CNS) at Sterling College about nationalism, citizenship, and gender in Nunavut. She met with CNS faculty to discuss curriculum content and contributed to classroom discussions on Harpoon of the Hunter written by Markoosie and the film Nanook of the North. In an "Introduction to the North" class with first- and second-year students, Wilson discussed ideas of community development in the circumpolar North and ways in which students can research community and native problems locally. Additionally, Elana visited third-year students to discuss the research process and their ideas for final projects. As part of the tour, Elana and her host compiled information on excursions you can take to learn about indigenous peoples and the Arctic.
These resources are available at: http://www.sterlingcollege.edu
Summary:
In early January 2005, Alaskan author Charles Wohlforth once again participated in the Arctic Visiting Speakers' Program. For this tour, Wohlforth traveled to San Diego and presented a public lecture during the opening session of the Annual Meeting of the American Meteorology Society. One of the primary themes of the meeting was "Living in the Coastal Zone" and Wohlforth aptly illustrated his experiences in native villages of northern Alaska where lifestyles are changing due to the shifting Arctic environment .
He also participated in WeatherFest, an interactive science and weather fair open to the public and geared especially toward K-12 students. WeatherFest featured exhibits on meteorology, oceanography, and other related sciences. Overall, Wohlforth reached nearly 300 participants providing an opportunity to better understand high-latitude climate change and its impact on the indigenous Alaskan population.
2004 Tours
Summary:
During the first two weeks of November 2004, Arto Rinne traveled around New England making school appearances, lecturing, and performing with members of his quartet. Arto Rinne and his ensemble are noted musicians whose scholarly and artistic expertise in folk instruments ranges from constructing their own instruments to innovation on traditional tunes. The Finnish Literature Society has recognized Rinne for his contributions to Karelian folk culture.
The tour involved presentations for youth at seven elementary and middle schools in both Vermont and Maine. Rinne, along with members of his quartet, Sattuma, also presented a Karelian music class, dance concert, as well as multiple public performances in Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C.
Summary:
During October 2004, Dr. Arthur Mason traveled from his home in Berkeley, California, USA to present multiple lectures at universities in Copenhagen, Denmark and Nuuk, Greenland.
Dr. Mason presented a two-part lecture examining the genealogy of communal heritage work within the region of Kodiak, Alaska. He discussed the linkages between this work and the topics associated with Native land claim issues, self-governance, capitalism, and the state. He also compared and contrasted how these issues relate on a circum-Arctic scale.
Dr. Mason's public lectures investigated Arctic, as well as non-Arctic, ethnography to address a topic of wide significance, specifically, how catastrophic events affect the way groups of people establish order, stability, and a sense of continuity.
In addition, Dr. Mason participated in a roundtable discussion together with colleague teachers and Ph.D. students analyzing students' dissertations and seminar papers. The seminar gave participants the opportunity to take part in a general discussion on the relationship between heritage making and globalization.
Summary:
Presenations
Over the course of two weeks in September 2004, Alaskan author Charles Wohlforth spoke at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Yale, Oregon State University, and the University of Washington. Wohlforth’s discussions and accompanying slide show presentations at these institutions focused on his new book "The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change."
Based on first hand experience, his talks described how the Eskimo whalers and scientific researchers of Barrow, Alaska perceive and respond to a changing Arctic environment.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Mark W. Williams is traveling from Boulder, CO to Alaska. He will be visiting the University of Alaska Southeast, where he will lecture on science, policy and community response to land use codes in the San Miguel River area in Colorado.
After three days in Juneau, Dr. Williams will travel to Fairbanks to meet with students and researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While in Fairbanks, Dr. Williams will present two talks on hydrochemistry and snow distribution.
Summary:
Presentations
Aaju Peter is traveling from Nunavut to Vermont. Currently Aaju is attending Akitsiraq Law School at Arctic College and collects traditional legal practices for the Nunavut Department of Justice. She will be presenting and performing at the Center for Northern Studies. Her lectures will be centered around Inuit Culture. Aaju will be singing and drumming for the community.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Slaughter is traveling from Idaho to Alaska to present at a workshop on dangerous ice. Dr. Slaughter is one of the world's foremost authorities on aufeis formation and the related physics. He will also presenting to the public about snow and permafrost as well as working with local schools.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Williams is traveling to Vermont. He has done doctoral research in northern Finland where he concentrated on reindeer herding communities and the role of the Saami craft tradition in those communities.
He will be conducting a series of workshops and presentations, including a two-day knife-making workshop, at the Center for Northern Studies.
2003 Tours
Summary:
Presentations
Professor Dombrowski is traveling from New York to Alaska. He will be conducting a series of presentations focused on his research in Alaska Native issues. Some of his recent articles include:
- The Praxis of Indigenism and Alaska Native Timber Politics (American Anthropologist)
- Billy Budd, Choker Setter: Native Culture and Indian Work in the Southeast Alaska Timber Industry. (In the journal International Labor and Working Class History)
- Lifestyle and Livelihood: The Politics of Subsistence, Native Identity and Internal Differentiation in Southeast Alaska (Forthcoming in the journal Human Ecology.)
The following seminars are scheduled:
- UA Museum sponsored public lecture at Noel Wien Library, Thursday at Noon
- Northern Peoples and Contemporary Issues class, Thursday evening
- Anthropology Department Colloquium, Friday afternoon
- KUAC-FM Radio interview
- Fairbanks Daily News-Miner interview (Thursday afternoon)
- Individual meetings with graduate students studying Alaska Native issues
Summary:
Presentations
Patricia Cochran worked with the Native American Cancer Research Partnership, the University of Arizona, and the Arizona Cancer Center by helping them in the design and implementation of their community based research initiative. Her work was highlighted in the local newspaper. She was involved in the following activities:
- Seminar for Native American students on opportunities in community health care.
- Seminar for NACRP faculty and staff on history and organization of ANKN.
- Met with key officials at NAU, NACRP, UA and the AZCC to discuss statewide coordination of research in Native communities in the Southwest based on ANKN's success in statewide coordination of community research in Alaska.
- Consulted with key officers at NAU, UA and the AZCC on diversity in faculty and student recruitment and retention, and health care.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Cline traveled from Minnesota to Alaska. He conducted seminars at University of Alaska Fairbanks - Water and Environmental Resource Center, Geophysical Institute, and International Arctic Research Center. The following public seminars occured:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Noon - 401 IARC
IARC/Frontier Seminar
The NASA Cold Land Processes Field Experiment (CLPX)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
3:30 p.m. - Elvey Auditorium, Geophysical Institute
Geophysical Institute Seminar
The Cold Land Processes Pathfinder Mission (CLPP)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
3:30 p.m. - 531 Duckering
Water and Environmental Research Center Seminar
National Snow Analyses: New Capabilities and Challenges
In addition to the seminars, Dr. Cline was interviewed by KUAC, the local university radio station, and met with graduate students.
Summary:
Presentations
Both Kaplan and Lee traveled from Alaska to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, to present at the IPSSAA 2003 Seminar (International Ph.D. School for Studies of Arctic Societies). Both speakers are experts in the fields of research considered to be of central importance to arctic societies, the first in language and culture and the second, in material culture, art, and ethnohistory.
Larry Kaplan presented on "Inuit Snow Terms: how many or what does it mean?" He also had extensive meetings with Inuktitut teachers at the Nunavut Arctic College, as well as with the NAC president and local community members. He was also interviewed by CBC reporter, Patricia Bell.
Molly Lee presented two lectures at the IPSSAS and met with numerous students and Faculty. She also met with staff from the Iqaluit Museum to discuss the art of baleen basket making and a workshop for the museum and college. She also met with local artists to discuss marketing art on the Internet.
Summary:
Presentations
Both Kaplan and Lee traveled from Alaska to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, to present at the IPSSAA 2003 Seminar (International Ph.D. School for Studies of Arctic Societies). Both speakers are experts in the fields of research considered to be of central importance to arctic societies, the first in language and culture and the second, in material culture, art, and ethnohistory.
Larry Kaplan presented on "Inuit Snow Terms: how many or what does it mean?" He also had extensive meetings with Inuktitut teachers at the Nunavut Arctic College, as well as with the NAC president and local community members. He was also interviewed by CBC reporter, Patricia Bell.
Molly Lee presented two lectures at the IPSSAS and met with numerous students and Faculty. She also met with staff from the Iqaluit Museum to discuss the art of baleen basket making and a workshop for the museum and college. She also met with local artists to discuss marketing art on the Internet.
Summary:
Lucy Tulugarjuk presented to various campus audiences on visual anthropology as well as at the Speaking to the 7th Generation, Annual Conference on Native American Language Revitalization. She was also present at the showing of the film, Atanarjuat – The Fast Runner, in which she played the character, "Puja". The film is an Inuit-produced, Inuit-acted, Inuit-written film. She was invited to speak about her experiences in making the film and how she views the film as contributing to the preservation of her language and culture.
Summary:
Susie Crate presented to a variety of audiences about her research with the Sakha people whom inhabit a subarctic region in northeast Siberia, Russia. She presented at the Anthropology Colloquium Series at UAF, the IGERT classes at UAF, and at Joy Elementary School in Fairbanks.
2002 Tours
Summary:
Presentations
He covered the following topic, “How you can manage reindeer (Indigenous people science of herding)” with a variety of audiences.
General audience: “Herding reindeer: principles and methods used indigenous peoples in Russian North: managing single animal, small and large groups, leaders of reindeer groups and managing their behavior, reindeer dogs as helpers”.
Scientific audience (students, teachers, scientists): “Behavioral principles of reindeer herding: managing motivation and stimuli of behavior, causes and routes of migrations, basic methods of fattening”.
Ethnographer (students, teachers, scientists) audience: “Herding systems of reindeer indigenous people in Russian North: types of reindeer herding, specificities of management”.
Herders and manager’s audience: “Development of reindeer managing from hunters to herders: routine life of herders through seasons, regulation of sex and age composition of herds, private and state ownership, status of domestic and wild reindeer populations”.
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. McRoy traveled to Cold Bay, Alaska with 5 Barrow High School students, a science teacher, and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. The trip was part of a ecological field trip to Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to address eelgrass bed ecology.
At Izembek Lagoon, Dr. McRoy worked with the students and showed them the eelgrass beds. Students learned how to collect eelgrass samples and process them.
A follow up visit by a FWS biologist and Dr. McRoy is currently being planned for a post-journey lesson. This would include Dr. McRoy working with the students to finish up the eelgrass processing. Also the data would be analyzed and the results discussed.
Summary:
Presentations
Keynote speaker at the NAME - 2002 Regional Conference regarding the convergence of science and folklore to explain the Arctic climate and environmental changes.
Summary:
Co-referent for panel discussion on Politics and Ethics of Research in the Arctic at theInternational PhD School for Studies of Arctic Societies (IPSSAS) 2002 Seminar
Lecture at IPSSAS on Lexical evolution and relationships among Eskimo-Aleut languages
Summary:
Presentations
Possible Cenozoic fossil localities of interest, northeastern Russia
Lunch Seminar, Carneige Museum of Natural History
Tectonics of Kamchatka
Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburg staff
Working in the 'Stans', a geologist's 20 year perspective
Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh
Structural evolution of the Kamchatka - Aleutian arc junction area in the Late Mesozoic and Tertiary
Presentation at the American Geophysical Union conference in Washington, D.C.
Other Activities
Planning and general meetings with Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh staff
Summary:
Presentations
On some problems in recent arctic and Antarctic research
Literatura Borealis: How Far South is North?
The Cultural Lens: Bogoras and the Raven.
Giela ja gova: Nils-Aslak Valkeapää
Authority and Gaze: Who's Writing? Who's Reading? Who's Telling the Stories?
Other Activities
Assist in planning for Anthology of Northern Literature for University of the Arctic.
Summary:
Presentations
Bridging the Gap – Documenting History and Culture Across the Bering Strait.
This presentation was held for the general public at the University of Alaska Museum.
Notes: Her presentation was shared with Dr. Igor Krupnik of the Smithsonian’s Arctic Studies Center.
2001 Tours
Summary:
Presentations
Northern Hemisphere Snow Cover over the Past Century
This was a seminar at the IARC.
Developing a blended snow cover database
This was presented to general public at Geophysical Institute.
Know your data: Gathering climatic information of the highest quality
Presentation to faculty and students at the Water and Environmental Research Center.
Other Activities
He was interviewed by the University press.
Summary:
Presentations
Contaminants in the Arctic – Native Knowledge and Perspectives
This was a lecture held at the Geochemical and Environmental Research Group. About 32 graduate students, scientists, and staff attended.
Traditional knowledge in science and policy
This was presented to general public.
Other Activities
- Meeting w/ Native American students (students)
- Anthropology class (undergraduates)
- Advisory Council meeting for Sustainable Coastal Margins (faculty, research scientists, and graduate students)
- Bush School Seminar (graduate students)
- Neal Elementary School (1st –5th graders and teachers)
- Cypress Grove Middle School (6th graders and teachers)
- Geography Department Seminar (graduates, faculty and scientists)
Summary:
Presentations
Culture and Language projects from NSB
This presentation was given at the Memory and History of the North conference and in a working group.
Other Activities
She also met with and discussed her work at GÉTIC, Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science Departments, and Faculté de théologie et de sciences religieuses of Université Laval and the Multilingual E-Data Solutions. She met with graduate students and staff.
Summary:
Summary
Key note speaker at school district (K-12) inservice. His presentation was on Arctic research and progression of environmental and climate change.
Notes: This inservice was for teachers that were preparing to participate in the national education program called, “Jason Project.” This year’s focus in the Jason Project was the Arctic. Steve was invited to provide background to the teachers so they could launch this project in their classrooms.
Summary:
Presentations
The Archeology of Historic Exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic
This presentation was given at the American Folklore Society conference.
Research Ethics
This presentation was at the conference.
Other Activities
Participated in a radio interview and high school lecture on Arctic Archeology in Talkeetna, Alaska
Summary:
Presentations
The Image of a Spiritual Midwife in Contemporary Russian Urban Folklore
This presentation was given at the American Folklore Society Conference.
Medieval Russian
This presentation was at the UAA geography department to undergraduates.
Homebirth and Woman’s Issues in Russia
This presentation was at the UAA Languages and Woman Studies Departments to graduates.
Summary:
Presentations
The Arctic Ocean, Article 76, and Alaskan Resources: The Significance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and its Anticipated Effect on Resource Jurisdiction North of Alaska
This presentation was held for Minerals Management Service staff, Industry (BP/Phillips), and general public.
Enlarging Seward's Icebox: How Changes in Climate and International Law Could Offer Alaskans a Greater Share of the Arctic Ocean's Resources
This presentation was held at the Loussac Public Library as a general public slideshow and presentation.
Notes: Dr. Macnab’s trip to Alaska was a joint application with U.S. Minerals Management Service. He shared presentations with Dr. Garrik Grikurov and focused on international laws and the Arctic Ocean.
Summary:
Presentations
Preliminary results of the Russian earth science research conducted in the 2000 in the high Arctic
This presentation was held at the University in Fairbanks for graduate students and professors.
Tectonic Structure and Evolution of Sedimentary Basins on the Continental Margin of Northern Eurasia
This presentation was held for Minerals Management Service staff, Industry (BP/Phillips), and general public, in Anchorage.
The Work of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the Arctic and Antarctic
This presentation was held at the Loussac Public Library, in Anchorage, as a general public slideshow and presentation.
Notes: Dr. Grikurov's trip to Alaska was a joint application between U.S. Minerals Management Service and University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute. He shared presentations with Dr. Ron Macnab. His presentations were geological in nature.
Summary:
Presentations
Endangered languages in the North: technical and emotional issues in reversing language shift
This presentation was given at the IASSA conference.
Endangered languages in the North
This presentation was given to staff and students in the sociolinguistics department and Laval University.
Summary:
Presentations
Ways of Knowing Science: An Alaska Native Perspective
These two experts on the effects of environmental change on arctic subsistence lifestyles contributed their perspectives to this cooperative K-12 science education program. The speakers gave classroom presentations at elementary, middle, and high schools in the Port Aransas School District. Topics of discussion were based on themes from the Study of Arctic Change program selected by teachers at the different grade levels.
Notes:
* Study of Arctic Change: An Interactive Program Linking Researchers with K-12 Students is a collaboration between the Marine Science Institute, University of Texas and Port Aransas, Texas, School District
Summary:
Presentations
Ways of Knowing Science: An Alaska Native Perspective
These two experts on the effects of environmental change on arctic subsistence lifestyles contributed their perspectives to this cooperative K-12 science education program. The speakers gave classroom presentations at elementary, middle, and high schools in the Port Aransas School District. Topics of discussion were based on themes from the Study of Arctic Change program selected by teachers at the different grade levels.
Notes:
* Study of Arctic Change: An Interactive Program Linking Researchers with K-12 Students is a collaboration between the Marine Science Institute, University of Texas and Port Aransas, Texas, School District
Summary:
Presentations
No summary.
2000 Tours
Summary:
Presentations
Insights into plate tectonics in the Arctic Basin from seismic profiles, gravity data and bedrock cores
Other Activities
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Meeting with Russian members of the International Arctic Science Committee http://iasc.info (IASC) planning group for the arctic sediment compilation (an outgrowth of the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean project).
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Visit and lecture at the Geological Department of St. Petersburg State University
Summary:
Presentations
Dr. Schneider addressed the "Memory and History in Nunavut", a Community-University Research Alliance partnership among Groupe d'études inuit et circumpolaires (GÉTIC), Faculté des sciences sociales, Université Laval in Quebec.
Other Activities:
Participated in the "Memory and History in Nunavut" workshop in Iqaluit, including visits and meetings in the community.
Summary:
Title: "Why did the Inuit Occupy Arctic North America? A case study in the brief regretted life of Scientistic Archaeology."
Other Activities
Visit to Circumpolar Laboratory, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Summary:
Presentations
Presentations focused on ecology of Arctic ungulates and the effects of petroleum development. Presented at a campus-wide seminar, a wildlife class, and at the student union luncheon.
Summary:
Presentations
"On some problems in recent arctic and Antarctic research"
Other Activities:
- Participate in the International Arctic Research Center principal investigators' meeting
- Discussions with Russian-American Initiative on Shelf-Land Environments in the Arctic (RAISE) Science Management Office
Notes: In addition to being Vice-Chair of the Duma (Russian Parliament), Dr. Chilingharov is a scientist with substantial experience on Soviet-era arctic ice camps. Dr. Gruzinov is also a researcher and will act as translator.
Summary:
Presentations
"On some problems in recent arctic and Antarctic research"
Other Activities:
- Participate in the International Arctic Research Center principal investigators' meeting
- Discussions with Russian-American Initiative on Shelf-Land Environments in the Arctic (RAISE) Science Management Office
Notes: In addition to being Vice-Chair of the Duma (Russian Parliament), Dr. Chilingharov is a scientist with substantial experience on Soviet-era arctic ice camps. Dr. Gruzinov is also a researcher and will act as translator.