The Arctic Council, Antarctica and Northern Studies in Canada

Abstract

This is a time of great debate about the future of Northern Studies in Canada. Most of those engaged in the debate believe that we need a new, rejuvenated vision for Northern Studies. One major change has already occurred: the establishment of the Arctic Council in 1996 gave new impetus to cooperation among the eight circumpolar nations involved. This cooperation has already changed the way in which we perceive and manage Northern Studies in Canada. I would suggest that membership in the Council is leading us inexorably towards another change in Northern Studies: formal recognition that modern Northern Studies are Polar Studies. One of the strong commonalties in science and technology among the Arctic Council nations is an interest in Antarctica - specifically in comparison to the roles of other Arctic Council nations. It concludes with recommendations on Canada and the Antarctic Treaty and on the way we should view Northern Studies in Canada. The paper is based on a recent report on a visit to the Ross Sea (New Zealand) sector of Antarctica (Adams, 2000). That report includes the text of the Antarctic Treaty and other related documentation.