Famed polar explorer Will Steger to join experts on Canadian Arctic Expedition at Nov. 5 symposium

Kate Menzies

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

10-12-2013

Campus Unit

College of Arts & Sciences

Abstract

Join the Consulate General of Canada and the University of North Dakota - together with researchers, scientists, explorers, and historians – for a public symposium to investigate the connections between science, people, and sustainability in the Canadian Arctic.

This event will trace the legacy of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, launched in 1913, and its leader Viljhalmur Stefansson, in his day one of the most colorful and notorious students at UND. Speakers will draw on Stefansson's work and influences to examine new linkages between the United States and the Canadian Arctic.

Presenters include:

Will Steger, renowned polar explorer; David Gray, the leading expert on the Canadian Arctic Expedition; Jamshed Merchant, Consul General of Canada; Mike Jacobs, publisher of the Grand Forks Herald,, Doug Munski, UND geography professor; and Timothy Pasch, UND communications professor.

The event is free and open to the public.

If you can't make it to Grand Forks, participate online! Follow @CanCGMPLS on Twitter or join the conversation using the hashtag #CAE100. You can also view the event proceedings live and ask questions online.

About the event:

What: Canadian Arctic Symposium. Science, People, & Sustainability in the Canadian Arctic: From the 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition to the 2013 Arctic Council Chairmanship.

Where: Center for Innovation University of North Dakota.

When: 1-4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, with reception and movie screening to follow.

Background:

In 2013, Canada assumed the two-year Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for Arctic Governments and people. 2013 also marks the centennial of the launch of the Canadian Arctic Expedition (CAE), a significant point in Canada's Arctic territorial history.

The CAE laid the foundation for a century of scientific endeavor; led to the discovery of unknown islands; collected thousands of photos, specimens and artifacts; and established important and long-lasting relationships with Northern communities. One of the CAE's leaders was the legendary explorer Viljhalmur Stefansson, a dual Canadian/US citizen who was born in Manitoba and raised in North Dakota. Early in his life, Stefansson studied at the University of North Dakota and was later awarded an honorary doctorate of laws degree from UND.

Agenda:

EXHIBIT and Registration: Noon-1p.m.

SYMPOSIUM: 1-4 p.m.

RECEPTION: 4-5 p.m.

MOVIE SCREENING: 5- 6:15 p.m.

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