Thematic Network on Arctic WASH Hosts International Winter School on Arctic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Kuujjuaraapik, Canada
From March 30-April 4, students and instructors gathered at the CEN research station in Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuaraapik for a field course on issues of water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) in Nunavik northern villages.
The learning sessions allowed them to discuss key issues related to drinking water and wastewater in the Arctic context with numerous mentors, as well as to propose solutions that are tailored, sustainable, and respectful of local realities.
Photo: Matthieu Dessureault
This school aimed to train future engineers, researchers and managers to the awareness and understanding of indigenous arctic context. To this end, this school gathered students, professionals, researchers, water and sewage stakeholders and public health authorities from different arctic regions (Canada, the United States, Norway, Greenland, Denmark, and Iceland), to collaborate on practical challenges and develop appropriate solutions. The course provided a combination of theoretical learning through lectures and practical experience through problem-based learning on local and regional WASH issues in Nunavik.
Photo: Matthieu Dessureault
The long-term objective of the program is to train students to develop consistent, accurate and useful strategies to provide regional municipal and public health authorities and ensure reliable water and wastewater services, as well as, to develop inclusive and respectful relationships with Indigenous and northern communities.