Page 7 - CHARS

construction partners, local organizations and

Cambridge Bay community members that worked

collaboratively to develop the various components
of the CHARS campus.

The opening was a tremendous accomplishment

and a tribute to everyone in the community of

Cambridge Bay and across the country who helped
to make this state-of-the-art facility possible.

The opening ceremony, which included cultural

performances, speeches from leaders, learning

activities for kids and knowledge exchange
opportunities, was wonderfully well-received by the

community—so much so that the Main Research

Building of the CHARS campus hit full capacity
during the official opening. Participants, ranging

from elders, hunters, local stakeholders, teenagers

and young children came together to celebrate this
significant milestone for the community.

BEC: What are the three main research topics

currently prioritized by POLAR?

DS: POLAR supports research projects within its
Science and Technology Program, which aims to

create new knowledge for use in decision making
throughout Canada’s Arctic regions. The current

science focus has been set by understanding

northern issues through engagement, and aims
to build a knowledge base to support effective

solutions to Arctic issues, northern policy and

research development, and advances Canada’s
position as a leading Arctic nation.
Elder Annie Atighioyak

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