Building the Arctic, 2026

As global attention turns north, Canada’s Arctic is increasingly central to the country’s security, economic resilience, and long-term sovereignty. This panel from the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik brings together Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson, Grand Chief of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation Jackson Lafferty, and former Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok in a conversation moderated by Arctic expert Jennifer Spence that explores to explore how nation-building in the North is moving from concept to delivery. Grounded in real-world projects, the discussion examines how major infrastructure is being advanced in partnership with Indigenous governments, all while strengthening governance, increasing economic opportunity, and accelerating progress.