Photo Credit: Travel Yukon
Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is the center of innovation, local and indigenous-owned businesses, and economic development in the northern regions. New technologies and digital infrastructure are required to further business development and strengthen local capacities. However, infrastructure shortages and energy insecurity threaten further development and limit the opportunities of the local populations.
Collaboration between Northern Norway and the Yukon focuses on the sustainable development of businesses through three foundations: digital infrastructure, green energy, and resilient communities.
Arctic Frontiers and The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa warmly welcome you to join us for this event. It is free to attend but registration is required for venue capacity and to receive the live recording.
Where: Yukonstruct Society, 2180 2nd Avenue, Whitehorse
When: 09:00 – 13:00 (Doors open at 8:30am)
All times are in Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7)
Join us live from Whitehorse! Tune in from anywhere to hear from leading experts as they discussthe topics of the day.
Program Overview
09:00 Welcoming and Opening Remarks
Confirmed Speakers:
- Chief Amanda Leas, Ta’an Kwach’an Council
- Shayna Hammer, Executive Director, Yukonstruct Society
- Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers
- Jon-Åge Øyslebø, Minister Counsellor, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa
09:15 Fireside Chat with Yukon Senator and Yukon Premier
Digital redlining, whereby access to digital infrastructure and technology is limited in certain geographical areas due to lower profit margins, is reducing in the rural and northern parts of Canada. Large investments and improvements have been seen across the north, but challenges for sustainable development still remain, especially in infrastructure for green energy and resilience against climate change. Such investments require the collaboration between Federal, Provincial and Local governments with private companies and local communities.
In this fireside chat, moderator Anu Fredrikson will be joined by Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai and Yukon Senator Pat Duncan, to discuss advances and future plans for Whitehorse.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Premier Ranj Pilai, Yukon Premier
- Senator Pat Duncan, Yukon Senator
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson
09:35 Digital Infrastructure Developments and Challenges
Technology is no longer a stand-alone industry, but rather a part of every industry wishing to develop and progress. Access to fast, reliable internet is not only crucial for local businesses to thrive and develop, but also for communities to stay connected. The recent purchase of Northwestel by Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous businesses, could lead to greater investment in the local economy and more career opportunities.
An emerging threat to infrastructure in the north is the changing climate. Wildfires, floods and landslides are now commonplace across the Arctic, causing blackouts in internet and disruption to communities and business operations. Investment is needed in both infrastructure and our understanding of the impacts of climate change.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Curtis Shaw, President, Northwestel
- Tiffany Eckert-Maret, President, Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce & President of the Yukon First Nations Teleco LP.
- Dr Fabrice Calmels, Research Chair, Yukon University
- Allan MacKenzie, Director, Atlantic First Nation Tech Services, IT Department of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) (Digital)
- Peder Nærbø, Founder, Bulk Infrastructure (Digital)
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson
11:00 Innovation for a Sustainable North
The rural Arctic region is a challenge for the transition to green energies. Remote Canadian communities have unreliable and fossil-based energy, and northern Norway must look for more options in storage and cross-border collaboration. Infrastructure, technology and energy go hand-in-hand for a greener future. What investments are needed for sustainable energies, new technologies and fresh ideas?
Innovative solutions for more sustainable ways of working are on the rise. Young Arctic residents want options for their future, which relies on educational opportunities, job prospects and a societal role. Many young Arctic residents are leaders for their Indigenous or local communities, and actively working with other public figures for bettering their areas.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Dan Guhl, Chief Business Development Officer, Solvest Inc.
- Kristiane Mauno Krystad, Director of Communications, Arctic Energy Partners (Digital)
- Hedda Crogh, Idea Hunter, Norinnova
- Stephanie Cunha, Vice President of Partnerships and Business Services, Yukon Energy
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson
12:00 The Importance of Community Resilience
Strong, safe, resilient communities are essential in remote northern regions.
Both Norway and Canada boast numerous universities and campuses throughout the northern regions. Access to education enables cross-border collaboration opportunities and innovation within remote communities. Additionally, universities spark new ideas, educate residents, and provide opportunities for jobs. Digital learning is also becoming increasingly popular, which further requires reliable connectivity across the Arctic regions. But how can rural regions keep skilled young people in the north and provide them with career development opportunities, and not just jobs?
Confirmed Speakers:
- Mayor Laura Cabott, Mayor of Whitehorse
- Professor Bente Haug, Vice-Rector for UiT – The Arctic University of Norway (Digital)
- Dr Bronwyn Hancock, Vice-Provost, Academic & Research, Yukon University
- Ethan LaVallee, Business Development Officer, Da Daghay Development Corporation & Representative for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council
Moderator: Anu Fredrikson
This program is designed to foster collaboration and innovation in Arctic regions, addressing key issues in connectivity, energy, and community resilience.
Meet our Speakers
Amanda Leas (Hare) is a Tagish Khwáan descendant, Dakhl’awèdí and member of the wolf clan. She has a Southern Tutchone (mother), Han (father), and is a citizen and elected Chief of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Her first permanent position at TKC was just after high school. Elected in October 2021, she is fully embracing her role as Chief and believes in positive outcomes in her 3-year term. She is a mother of 3 beautiful humans and is a member the Yukon First Nations Arts program.
Jon-Åge is the Minister Counsellor for the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa. Until last year he was Norway’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and four other countries in the region. He has previously served at Norwegian embassies in Morocco, United States, Poland, Mozambique and South Africa, as well as to Norway’s delegation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.
Ranj Pillai was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 2016 and was elected for a second term in April 2021. Minister Pillai became Premier Pillai in January 2023, and currently serves as Minister of the Executive Council Office; Minister of Economic Development; and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation.
Pillai was recognized for this work as the recipient of the North Startup Canada 2019 Regional Award for Entrepreneur Promotion. Since 2016, the Yukon has been leading the country with the lowest unemployment rate, strong GDP growth and impressive investments in building construction.
Senator Pat Duncan is a member of the Senate’s Fisheries and Oceans Committee and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. Her public service includes: serving as the Workers Advocate, work with the Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board, Yukon Government Department of Health and Social Services, and as a Member of Yukon’s Legislative Assembly 1996 to 2006. (Premier 2000-2002). Business experience includes work with Total North Communications, and Executive Director of Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.
Curtis Shaw is a telecommunications leader with 28 years of experience with Northwestel, where he has been serving as president for the last seven years. He has experience in product management, strategy, new service introduction, and customer operations. Moving through roles including product manager, director of marketing, vice president and chief operating officer previously. He is passionate about community development and responsible leadership.
Tiffany Lande-Gus’duteen Eckert-Maret is from the wolf clan and is a citizen of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Tiffany grew up on the shores of Lake Laberge with her cousins and grandmother, the late Irene Smith. As a child, Tiffany was fortunate to travel across Canada as a military brat with her parents and her sweet sister Kayla. Tiffany was taught and maintains the traditional craft of beading and sewing slippers like her great grandmother Alice, grandmother Irene and mother Doris Anderson. Tiffany is the Chief Operating Officer of the Da Daghay Development Corporation (DDDC) and serves as the President for the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce and is the President of the Yukon First Nations Teleco LP. Tiffany has one remarkable child, Dakota, who she raised with her equally exceptional husband.
Dr. Fabrice Calmels is a Permafrost and geoscience research Chair at the YukonU Research Centre where he has developed a vibrant permafrost research program over the past decade. Fabrice, and his team of experts, collaborate with communities, governments, industry and other academic institutions to address permafrost thaw in Yukon and throughout northern Canada. His team’s research program aims to provide the most reliable information needed to prepare for and address the impacts of a thawing permafrost on northern society. This research supports risk assessments, and the development of innovative technologies to inform communities and northern organizations to make informed decision-making and contribute to the safety and well-being of northerners.
Dan Guhl joined Solvest six years ago and is in charge of managing Solvest’s larger Sales and Marketing divisions, along with the overall business strategy. His business background has enabled Solvest’s growth in many aspects, including streamlining the sales and design processes and implementing CRMs, design software, and project management software. Born and raised in the North, Dan deeply appreciates northern Canada, its people, and its culture. His passion lies in helping communities support their own independence, currently through reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. Dan has also spearheaded many of Solvest’s Indigenous-led projects.
Kristiane Krystad is the Head of Communications at Arctic Energy Partners in Hammerfest, Norway. Additionally, Krystad also serves as a member of the board of the Norwegian Petroleum Society, Barents, and has been a lead in youth engagement projects such as “Ung i Nord.” Born and raised in Northern Norway, Krystad is very passionate about the development of the region and strengthening internationalization as well as internal regional cooperation.
Ethan LaVallee is a Business Development Officer for Da Daghay Dev Corp as well as the Male Rep for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council for Yukon Region. Ethan has gained experience through multiple conferences and mentorships. He is also the chair of the Youth Council of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Hedda has a master’s degree in management, innovation and marketing from UiT. She has previously worked with marketing, social media, and project coordination of conferences and festivals. At Norinnova, she is the project manager for the young entrepreneurship initiative, which includes Student IX and Arctic Ignite. She is keen to make Northern Norway an attractive place for young people through opportunities to invest in their own ideas and companies.
Bente Haug is a sociologist and former Head of Department for Tourism and Northern studies at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. She is vice-rector for UiT campuses in Finnmark County, and has responsibilities cover Finnmark and northern parts of Troms, in Troms County. Svalbard is also an area of which the vice rector has responsibilities.
Within Finnmark, UiT offers education in four different places, and are planning for more flexible programs. UiT also cooperates with three study centers which also offer programs from UiT. Currently she has been working on establishing a bachelor’s degree program in safety and security in Kirkenes, close to the Russian boarder.
Dr. Bronwyn Hancock is the Vice-Provost, Academic & Research for Yukon University, and holds a PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Hancock is passionate about ensuring that Yukon University is a place where co-created research serves to advance reconciliation in Canada’s North, and where northern students are empowered to explore questions of their own using multiple forms of knowledge. Dr. Hancock is currently a panelist on the CCA’s Expert Panel on the future of Arctic and Northern research in Canada.
Cabott served as a City Councillor in Whitehorse from 2018 to 2021, where she was then elected as Mayor of Whitehorse in 2021. Cabott is from Maple Ridge, B.C., but moved to Whitehorse in 1992. Her background is in law, and in 2003 she opened up the law firm Cabott and Cabott with her brother. During her time as Mayor, Cabott has achieved great accomplishments with regards to housing, for example with the development of a long-term Official Community Plan. Cabott has made significant progress in collecting extra funding to support housing and infrastructure projects in the city, by having regular meetings with the Federal and Territorial ministers, and First Nations leaders. Other focus points have been effective response to climate-related emergencies such as fires and floods, as well as establishing a more robust City Transit system.
Allan MacKenzie is the Director of Atlantic First Nation Tech Services (AFNTS), the IT Department of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK). Prior to entering this role, Allan spent four years as Technology Integration Lead with MK. Allan also has 5 years experience as Atlantic Regional Manager of In.Business: A Mentorship Program for Indigenous Youth, and 5 years teaching at the middle and high school levels.
He holds undergraduate degrees in Business and Arts from Cape Breton University, an Education Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Certificate in Mathematical Sciences for Education from St. Mary’s University, and a Master of Education Degree – Leadership & Administration, from Saint Francis Xavier University.
Stephanie Cunha is Yukon Energy’s Vice President of Partnerships and Business Services. With over 15 years of utility experience and over 20 years of communications and engagement experience, she leads the corporation in developing and strengthening partnerships with rightsholders, stakeholders and the wider community.
Peder Nærbø is recognized as one of Norway’s most visionary industrial entrepreneurs. He has been a strong advocate for connecting Norway to the rest of the world with sustainable digital infrastructure and played a central role in building up Norway’s data center industry and global fiber connectivity.
In 2006, Nærbø founded Bulk, focusing on strategically located logistics buildings. Today, this part of Bulk is one of Norway’s leading players in commercial real estate.
Meet our Moderator
Anu Fredrikson
Ms Fredrikson is the Executive Director of Arctic Frontiers, overseeing all team operations and representing the organization in Norway and internationally. She brings a wealth of experience in Arctic issues from her previous roles, including Director of the Arctic Economic Council and Advisor for Political Affairs and Arctic Policy at the Embassy of Finland to Norway.
