Episodes

  • The Future of Nunavut

    The Future of Nunavut
    Aug 21 2025
    In this season finale of The Arctic Edge, host Hannah Thibedeau sits down with a powerful roundtable of leaders to look ahead to Nunavut’s future. Our guests offer their insight into the challenges, and the opportunities that are shaping the North. In this compelling and hopeful conversation, they explore the power of Inuit led development. How youth empowerment and education is critical for long term transformation. That collaboration across communities, industries and government is essential. Not just for resource and economic development, but for lasting community strength. Real impact comes when development aligns with Inuit knowledge to uplift communities, fuelled by local leadership, cultural pride and generational thinking. Our guests Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr, Chair of Agnico Eagle’s Board Sean Boyd and entrepreneur Cody Dean offer their inspirational insights.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    29 mins
  • Sovereignty and Security

    Sovereignty and Security
    Aug 7 2025
    What does Canadian sovereignty and security really mean for the Arctic, from a past, present and future perspective? From Cold War radar lines to modern defence systems, Canada’s presence in the North has always been shaped by global threats and strategic necessity.

    In this episode, we learn about Grise Fjord, Canada’s northernmost community, and about the Inuit families that were forcibly relocated there in the 1950’s, serving as human flag poles. Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s family was one of them. Their personal stories reveal how sovereignty isn’t just about borders, but about people. For Inuit, sovereignty isn’t an abstract concept. It’s rooted in survival, sacrifice and home, while bearing a strong sense of patriotism.

    With renewed geopolitical tensions, as well as climate change, Canada is looking north. It’s time for a shift from symbolic sovereignty to a real investment, not only in defence and infrastructure, but in communities as a foundation of a secure Arctic.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    27 mins
  • The Roots of Knowledge

    The Roots of Knowledge
    Jul 24 2025
    In this important episode of The Arctic Edge, we uncover the undeniable truth. A thriving Nunavut, economically, socially and culturally, starts with children. Investing in children is about building a foundation that spans generations. It’s about interconnectedness and how housing, nutrition, language, mentorship and role models all shape a child’s journey. When kids are supported, they don’t just succeed, they lead. This episode features voices from across Nunavut, people who show up every day for kids because they believe in the power of change. Transformation isn’t theoretical. It’s already underway. And with continued collaboration, it can grow. A supported, educated child becomes a confident adult. One who can lead, inspire, fuel collective success and shape the North. This is nation building.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    27 mins
  • Voices of the Elders, Vision of the youth

    Voices of the Elders, Vision of the youth
    Jul 9 2025
    In this powerful episode of The Arctic Edge, we sit with Inuit Elders whose wisdom, grace and resilience offer profound insight into the heart of Nunavut and its culture. This episode is about listening. The Elders share deeply personal stories of loss, colonial trauma, and survival. They speak to how the erosion of language is more than the loss of words as the traditional language is a way of thinking, seeing, and relating to the world. We explore what it means to become an Elder, and how leadership in Inuit culture is not defined by a title or ambition, but by a life of service and commitment to community. True leadership, they remind us, is recognized—not declared. From reflections on legacy to hopes for future generations, their voices carry lessons that resonate far beyond the North. This is not just about the past, it’s also about what comes next.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    38 mins
  • Business Development Through Collaboration and Innovation

    Business Development Through Collaboration and Innovation
    Jun 26 2025
    Join us in Iqaluit for this episode of the Arctic Edge, where the biting wind dances across the frozen landscape. A landscape that holds thousands of years of Inuit history, and a future shaped by Inuit-led enterprise.

    Cody Dean is a part of that future. He began his career as a hydro linesman and later transitioned into business ownership with the acquisition of Canadrill. His work goes beyond business. He also invests in a number of Nunavut ventures. We will hear about his connection to a hit comedy series and the most northerly brewery in Canada. His story is one of how a rising tide lifts all boats, and how working in the north, for the north, is creating opportunities and innovation.

    To learn more, visit www.thearticedge.ca
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    26 mins
  • Inuit led, Inuit owned.

    Inuit led, Inuit owned.
    Jun 12 2025
    In this episode, we delve into how Nunavut, once an idea of visionary Inuit leaders, has evolved into a territory defined by opportunities, resilience and cultural strength. The heart of this episode is the geographic heart of Canada, Baker Lake, and the people who are reshaping the narrative of the North. Through mining, infrastructure and environmental stewardship, Inuit voices are leading the way.

    We meet Inuit entrepreneur Derek Irwin, whose profound belief in environmental stewardship, his passion for the land, and his drive to build Inuit capacity demonstrate that Inuit leadership isn’t just about outcomes. It’s about intention, values, vision and lasting impact. We also hear from Minister of Community Services, David Akeeagok and David Kakuktinniq, president and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation. Their insights build on Derek’s message, that Nunavut’s future is defined by a deep commitment to stewardship, meaningful relationships with the land, and the strength of its communities.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    16 mins
  • Mining Is the Way

    Mining Is the Way
    May 29 2025
    In this episode of The Arctic Edge, we explore how mining isn’t just an industry in Nunavut. It’s an economic engine that powers opportunity, infrastructure development, and Inuit self-determination. Mining is the second largest employer in Nunavut, and the largest GDP contributor. We will hear how local corporations and Inuit leaders are actively shaping resource projects to reflect community priorities.

    Guests like Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Sean Boyd from Agnico Eagle, Peter Tapatai from Peter’s Expediting Ltd. in Baker Lake, and Nunavut Minister of Community Services David Akeeagok share how mining has created skilled jobs, new businesses, and vital services. They also highlight how responsible resource development can build long-term prosperity. It’s not just about extracting wealth. It’s about building futures.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    22 mins
  • Traditional Knowledge and Legacy

    Traditional Knowledge and Legacy
    May 15 2025
    In this episode of The Arctic Edge, we explore how Inuit youth in Nunavut are shaping the future while deeply rooted in their traditions. We meet changemakers like Derek Irwin, an environmental entrepreneur whose name carries the spirit of his ancestors, and Olivia Tagalik, a cultural leader bridging the gap between tradition and modern life—on the ground and even on Netflix.

    Through powerful stories of resilience, role models, and reclaiming cultural practices, this episode highlights how Inuit traditions are not only surviving—they’re thriving. From education and entrepreneurship to community leadership, today’s generation is redefining success in the North.

    To learn more, visit www.thearcticedge.ca
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    21 mins