The Accessible Arctic
© John Dunn, Across the ice - Sur La Glace,1990
© Mike Beedell, Something like a Man - À l’image de l’homme, 1999
© Fred Bruemmer, Dog Team on Devon Island - Attelage de chiens dans I’île Devon, 1970
Free entry Entrée gratuite
Interpretation Centre
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania
Until October 2011
The wealth of images of the Arctic that Canadian Geographic accumulated since 1930 and the extensive work of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and The Canadian Museum of Nature in this region are clear reflections of how the North has always been at the very heart of Canadian identity.
The Accessible Arctic brings the beauty of the North close to us as it speaks of its past, present and future. These quintessential images of nature and life in the arctic also remind us of the vast treasure that we hold in trust for future generations.
Canada’s Arctic makes up over 40% of our landmass and is home to more than 100,000 Canadians. Northerners, including indigenous peoples, who comprise 80 percent of the population in some regions, have brought a number of issues to the world’s attention:
- the dangers and challenges posed by climate change
- the need for sustainable economic development;
- and the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge with our circumpolar neighbours and the world.
The Government of Canada’s Arctic foreign policy is a response to the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing Arctic. Canada has focused global efforts on the impact of climate change in the region. It has been a major player in the negotiation of important international environmental instruments that address critical issues such as pollution and the need to protect and preserve our unique Arctic environment.
Ensuring that economic and social development is sustainable and benefits Arctic inhabitants,
particularly indigenous peoples, is a key objective for Canada. This, of course, is not only a domestic issue; in addition to working with territorial governments and Northerners, long standing international relationships with our Arctic neighbours are benefiting the region and its inhabitants and helping to build vibrant and sustainable communities.
Real efforts have been made to ensure that decisions affecting Northerners are brought closer to the communities themselves. We recognise and value the important role that the leadership of indigenous groups and Northerners have played in shaping our international actions.
Proudly presented by the Consulate General of Canada, Sydney.
