Finnmark and Northern Saskachewan….Unique Comparisons
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It’s been a while since I have been able to submit my mayoral blog to PaNow, as it seems life gets in the way! I have recently returned from a trip to Norway which was a requirement of my Master in Northern Governance and Development degree program (poor me!). The trip, which took place from March 15-24th/2013, took me and eight other students (all ladies I may add) to Oslo and Kirkenes, Norway. There we had the opportunity to compare and contrast Northern Saskatchewan (Northern Canada in some degree) and Finnmark County. Issues examined included indigenous people, land use planning, resource development and tourism. I had the opportunity to meet several of my mayoral counterparts and was impressed with the aspect of regional cooperation they share. The trip was a great learning experience and I brought home some innovative ideas that we can hopefully apply to governance and development in our community.
I would also like to share a little information on the Master degree that I am currently enrolled in. This program is offered through the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development at the University of Saskatchewan. According to the centre, “in fall 2008, the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development (ICNGD) refocused its mission and mandate to concentrate on the Circumpolar North and its relationship to Northern Saskatchewan. With an emphasis on innovation, the goal of the ICNGD is to further research, graduate training, and capacity building around the issues of governance and development – economy, environment, social and health – in partnership with Northern and Aboriginal communities, industry, and government.” Degrees offered at the centre are a Bachelor in Northern Studies (3 year, 4 year and honours) and a Master in Northern Governance and Development. The Master degree is the only program of its kind in North America and offers students the unique opportunity to focus on northern issues. A supportive environment allows for professionals to complete the program while continuing working and for some, living in the north.
I have always advocated that education is the key to continued northern progression and the International Centre for Northern Governance and Development will play an important role in developing the next generation of leaders and capacity. Collaboration between academia, communities and government is crucial for the long term sustainability and wellness of Northern Saskatchewan. Together, solutions to many of the issues we face surrounding the environment, resource development and social conditions can be found.
If you are interested in International Centre for Northern Governance and Development please visit their website at http://artsandscience.usask.ca/icngd/.
