Canadian and international students head North on a once in a lifetime Arctic
expedition
INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AND AMBASSADORS FOR OUR PLANET
OTTAWA, Aug. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - While most students are basking in the last month of summer vacation, a group of remarkable youth will be engaged in biodiversity, sovereignty and climate change discussions and research in one of the greatest classrooms on earth: the Arctic.
On Friday, August 6, eighty Canadian and international high school students will fly from Ottawa to Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, to begin their amazing educational odyssey in the Canadian North. The 16-day ship-based journey - organized by Students on Ice - will explore the southern and eastern coasts of Baffin Island, Nunavut, and the northern reaches of Nunavik.
A team of 30 international polar scientists, educators, elders and artists - including Peter Mansbridge, CBC's Chief Correspondent, authors Michael Byers and Alanna Mitchell - will engage with students in a wide variety of lectures, workshops and hands-on activities.
"These youth will explore a part of the planet that very few get to experience - a place widely recognized as an early-warning system for climate change", says Geoff Green, Canadian founder of Students on Ice. "We know by experience that many of the students come back with new perspectives, and are inspired to serve as ambassadors about environmental issues that affect not only the Arctic, but also the rest of the world."
The expedition ship is equipped with the latest technology, thus enabling interviews with the participants throughout the expedition period. Videos, photos, and daily blogs, written by the students will be posted at: http://www.studentsonice.com/arctic2010/daily.html
The journey represents a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for the students who have been selected to participate in the expedition because of their commitment to environmental issues. Most of the students have been fully funded by governments, corporations, foundations and philanthropists, such as the Norwegian and Canadian governments, Brita, Youth Science Canada, the Prince of Monaco, and the Makivik Corporation.
A special Arctic Expedition Launch Event will be held in Ottawa at the Canadian Museum of Nature from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Thursday, August 5th. Speakers include, Peter Mansbridge, CBC Chief Correspondent, and Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
About Students on Ice and the Expedition.
Students on Ice is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic. In providing students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the earth, we help them foster a new understanding of and respect for the planet.
The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2010 is the most comprehensive Arctic expedition for youth ever undertaken. It will serve as a powerful and unique international platform to create change, inspire, educate, give cause for hope, and raise awareness around the world about the impacts of climate change and other environmental issues facing the Arctic.
MEDIA QUICK FACTS
Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2010
- Expedition dates: August 4-20, 2010. - Students range from 14-18 years of age. - Participants originate from 8 provinces and 3 territories: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut - 30 international polar scientists, educators, artists and leaders will accompany the students, including Peter Mansbridge, CBC Chief Correspondent, and authors Michael Byers and Alanna Mitchell. - Students will participate in lectures, workshops, and 'hands-on' research activities. - Topics studied include the International Polar Year, the International Year of Youth, 2010: Year of the Inuit, and the International Year of Biodiversity, marine biology, earth sciences, environmental issues, sustainable development, Inuit culture, and Arctic sovereignty.
For further information: visuals, including video and high resolution photos, or to coordinate an interview, please contact: Kathleen Connelly, Students on Ice Expeditions, 1-819-827-3300 x 25, Toll free: 1-866-336-3423, [email protected]; Chris Ralph, Students on Ice Expeditions, 1-819-827-3300 x 23, Toll free: 1-866-336-3423, [email protected]
Share this article