What’s the meaning of “north”? Canadians tend to think of themselves as northern, yet most of us are clustered between the 42^nd and 49^th parallels, latitudes that aren’t even in the boreal region. What does this do to our perception of the North and to our understanding of Canada? 

Susan Nerberg will share observations from her work in the Canadian Arctic, ranging from Tasiujaq (Eclipse Sound) in the east, to Tuktuyaaqtuuq in the west. Meeting Indigenous Peoples, northerners and scientists has amplified her understanding of “north” to include thousands of years of innovation and ingenuity, but also climate change happening at two to four times the global average. As we race to understand the drivers and impacts of change, the most important voices are those of the people who animate the North and live with the consequences of decisions often made in the South. 

Susan Nerberg is a freelance journalist, writer and editor. An immigrant to Canada and a settler on Turtle Island, she’s also Indigenous, with Sámi roots on the coast of northern Norway. Her work has appeared in multiple publications, including Canadian Geographic, Broadview Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Report on Business Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and Azure Magazine. 

Co-sponsored by the Cold Regions Research Centre and the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada