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The Speakers Bureau is a directory of arctic researchers and experts that are available to visit organizations, communities or schools to give presentations. The directory contains names, addresses, science specialties, and presentation experience.
We encourage organizations and communities applying to the Arctic Visiting Speakers Series to use the Speakers Bureau to select a visiting speaker. If a particular subject or speaker is not listed, please contact Judy Fahnestock at avs [at] arcus [dot] org, for suggested speakers.
Donat Savoie
About:
Donat Savoie explores the recent changes for the Inuit of Canada, and the social, cultural, linguistics and economic impacts. He is also interested in the governance systems that have been changed dramatically with the signing of several land claims agreements. Dr. Savoie states, "I strongly believe it is very important to convey to various audiences my knowledge and experience in Inuit, Arctic, and Circumpolar Affairs, to which I dedicated 42 years. Given the present issues related to climate change and its impact on Aboriginal Peoples, including the Inuit, the development of new and innovative Aboriginal governance systems in arctic countries, and the interest of several countries in the resources of the North, are all reasons that show clearly the importance of discussing these issues publicly, and informing different audiences of the present and future challenges." Dr. Savoie is available to speak to academic, graduate, school, and general public audiences. A few lecture titles include:
- Innovative Governance in Canada's Arctic: Inuit Self-Determination Efforts Today
- Nunavik Inuit Governance Issues and Political Future
- Self-government in the Canadian North: Creation of the Nunavik Regional Government: Innovative Project and Challenges
Dr. Savoie was born in Montréal, Canada, and obtained a Master's Degree in Anthropology from the Université de Montréal. He joined the Public Service of Canada in 1969, namely with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (DINAC), where he held several senior positions related to Inuit, Arctic, and Circumpolar Affairs. He retired in 2006. Amongst his senior assignments, Dr. Savoie was appointed Director of Scientific and Circumpolar Affairs within DINAC, and Chief Federal Negotiator for the Nunavik Inuit self-government negotiations. He acted as Senior Advisor Northern Policy (1990-1992) to Mary Simon, President, Inuit Circumpolar Conference.
Dr. Savoie is the recipient of the following awards: 7-time recipient of the DINAC Outstanding Achievement Award; Award of Excellence of the Public Service of Canada for his contribution to the creation of the Nunavut Territory; Tribute of the Government of the Northwest Territories for his contribution to the Canadian North; Weaver-Tremblay Award from the Canadian Anthropology Society; Elected Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America of the University of Calgary; Elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of Canada. Dr Savoie has also received special recognitions and commemorations from Inuit of Canada organizations such as the Makivik Corporation (which represents the Inuit of Nunavik), the Avataq Cultural Institute, and the Inuit community of Kangiqsualujjuaq.
On June 3, 2010, he was made Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of Quebec, the highest order given by the Government of Quebec, by the Premier of Québec, Jean Charest, at a ceremony held in the Quebec Parliament in Quebec City, Canada, for his exceptional contribution to the Canadian North, and especially to Nunavik and to the Inuit of the region.
