ARCTIC YOUTH NETWORK
Arctic Circle Assembly 2019
Our breakout session:
Navigating Emerging Environments – Exploring Outlets for Change with the Arctic Youth Network
The Arctic Youth Network is hosting a session showcasing young leaders who seek to advance development amidst the changes they experience. The breakout session will begin with a panel of storytellers from across the circumpolar north who will share how their lives are affected by a transforming Arctic, followed by an open dialogue to lay foundations for how constructive collaboration can occur so that youth can contribute to sustainable growth. The session will strive to highlight both the potential procedures and importance of integrating the often overlooked youth perspective into the decisions directly affecting the demographic.
Visit the Arctic Circle website for more information.
See the 2019 ACA program here.
Tasha Elizarde
Moderator
Alaska
Read about TashaTasha is a strong youth advocate for positive social change from Juneau, Alaska. Tasha began her work with arctic issues when she was chosen to be a 2017 – 2019 Arctic Youth Ambassador. At 20 years old, she is now
the vice-chair of the growing Arctic Youth Network and the founder of a
new youth empowerment program, Arctic Voice. In Alaska, she is involved
in several Alaska political advocacy organizations focused on gender
equity, the environment, and elections. Tasha is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College, studying the intersection of effective public policy-making and social enterprise. In her free time, Tasha enjoys freelance writing, crafting music on the ukulele, and finding the best hiking and swimming spots around the world.
the vice-chair of the growing Arctic Youth Network and the founder of a
new youth empowerment program, Arctic Voice. In Alaska, she is involved
in several Alaska political advocacy organizations focused on gender
equity, the environment, and elections. Tasha is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College, studying the intersection of effective public policy-making and social enterprise. In her free time, Tasha enjoys freelance writing, crafting music on the ukulele, and finding the best hiking and swimming spots around the world.
Megan Dicker
Speaker
Nunatsiavut
Read about MeganMegan Dicker is an Inuk youth from Nain, Nunatsiavut on the north coast of Labrador, Canada. Megan is passionate about language revitalization, research and sharing stories. Her most recent involvement in research brought her to the depths of the Labrador Sea where she surveyed benthic species and shared insight about conducting research in Nunatsiavut. Megan plans on continuing to live and work in Inuit Nunangat as she
feels this is where her time and energy would be the most meaningful.
feels this is where her time and energy would be the most meaningful.
Anna-Katri Kulmala
Speaker
Finland
Read about AKAnna-Katri is communication science & environmental politics student in Tampere University, with a focus in Arctic issues. She is a co-founder of caracara collective – a biomaterial design studio with a mission of replacing plastic with mycelium. Anna-Katri participated a cultural exchange via CAFF and the U.S. Embassy in Finland and visited Alaska, where she familiarized herself with environmental issues and indigenous cultures in Alaska and in the Arctic. She is also a member of WWF Youth and AYN..
Kristbjörg Mekkín Helgadóttir
Speaker
Iceland
Read about KristbjörgFrom the East of Iceland. Collage student and her studies focus on sociology and natural science. Very active in youth work and has among
other things sat on the Icelandic youth council for the Sustainable Development Goals organised by the prime minister’s office as well as local youth councils. Strong interest in environmental issues. “I have since I was younger always enjoyed the outdoors and all things nature. I’m a positive person who’s enthusiastic about nature, outdoors and
climate protection. My biggest interests are sustainable development issues, crisis management and the relation between well-being, nature and economics. Arctic areas are facing many threats such as climate change and rising global demand of resources. I want to do my part to protect the biodiversity and the environment of the Arctic.”
other things sat on the Icelandic youth council for the Sustainable Development Goals organised by the prime minister’s office as well as local youth councils. Strong interest in environmental issues. “I have since I was younger always enjoyed the outdoors and all things nature. I’m a positive person who’s enthusiastic about nature, outdoors and
climate protection. My biggest interests are sustainable development issues, crisis management and the relation between well-being, nature and economics. Arctic areas are facing many threats such as climate change and rising global demand of resources. I want to do my part to protect the biodiversity and the environment of the Arctic.”
Tasha Elizarde
Moderator
Alaska
Read about TashaTasha is a strong youth advocate for positive social change from Juneau, Alaska. Tasha began her work with arctic issues when she was chosen to be a 2017 – 2019 Arctic Youth Ambassador. At 20 years old, she is now
the vice-chair of the growing Arctic Youth Network and the founder of a
new youth empowerment program, Arctic Voice. In Alaska, she is involved
in several Alaska political advocacy organizations focused on gender
equity, the environment, and elections. Tasha is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College, studying the intersection of effective public policy-making and social enterprise. In her free time, Tasha enjoys freelance writing, crafting music on the ukulele, and finding the best hiking and swimming spots around the world.
the vice-chair of the growing Arctic Youth Network and the founder of a
new youth empowerment program, Arctic Voice. In Alaska, she is involved
in several Alaska political advocacy organizations focused on gender
equity, the environment, and elections. Tasha is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Mount Holyoke College, studying the intersection of effective public policy-making and social enterprise. In her free time, Tasha enjoys freelance writing, crafting music on the ukulele, and finding the best hiking and swimming spots around the world.
Megan Dicker
Speaker
Nunatsiavut
Read about MeganMegan Dicker is an Inuk youth from Nain, Nunatsiavut on the north coast of Labrador, Canada. Megan is passionate about language revitalization, research and sharing stories. Her most recent involvement in research brought her to the depths of the Labrador Sea where she surveyed benthic species and shared insight about conducting research in Nunatsiavut. Megan plans on continuing to live and work in Inuit Nunangat as she
feels this is where her time and energy would be the most meaningful.
feels this is where her time and energy would be the most meaningful.
Anna-Katri Kulmala
Speaker
Finland
Read about AKAnna-Katri is communication science & environmental politics student in Tampere University, with a focus in Arctic issues. She is a co-founder of caracara collective – a biomaterial design studio with a mission of replacing plastic with mycelium. Anna-Katri participated a cultural exchange via CAFF and the U.S. Embassy in Finland and visited Alaska, where she familiarized herself with environmental issues and indigenous cultures in Alaska and in the Arctic. She is also a member of WWF Youth and AYN..
Kristbjörg Mekkín Helgadóttir
Speaker
Iceland
Read about KristbjörgFrom the East of Iceland. Collage student and her studies focus on sociology and natural science. Very active in youth work and has among
other things sat on the Icelandic youth council for the Sustainable Development Goals organised by the prime minister’s office as well as local youth councils. Strong interest in environmental issues. “I have since I was younger always enjoyed the outdoors and all things nature. I’m a positive person who’s enthusiastic about nature, outdoors and
climate protection. My biggest interests are sustainable development issues, crisis management and the relation between well-being, nature and economics. Arctic areas are facing many threats such as climate change and rising global demand of resources. I want to do my part to protect the biodiversity and the environment of the Arctic.”
other things sat on the Icelandic youth council for the Sustainable Development Goals organised by the prime minister’s office as well as local youth councils. Strong interest in environmental issues. “I have since I was younger always enjoyed the outdoors and all things nature. I’m a positive person who’s enthusiastic about nature, outdoors and
climate protection. My biggest interests are sustainable development issues, crisis management and the relation between well-being, nature and economics. Arctic areas are facing many threats such as climate change and rising global demand of resources. I want to do my part to protect the biodiversity and the environment of the Arctic.”
