Student report from UArctic Congress 2026: Ashley Ens

My name is Ashley Ens, and I am a Nihtat Gwich’in PhD student in Native Studies at the University of Alberta. My research focuses on modern treaties, Indigenous governance, and the ways Indigenous communites in the North are exercising self-determination and shaping their futures through treaty implementation and nation-building initiatives. My doctoral research examines the history of the Dene-Métis land claim negotiations in the Northwest Territories and explores how Indigenous leaders articulated their visions of governance, sovereignty, and self-government. Through archival research and oral history interviews with past and current leaders and knowledge holders, I seek to better understand how these visions continue to influence contemporary treaty implementation and Indigenous governance today. In addition to my academic work, I have 15 years of experience working with Indigenous governments and organizations across Northern Canada in the areas of community engagement, strategic planning, policy development, and governance 

Purpose of My Travel 

The purpose of my travel was to attend the UArctic Congress and Ocean Connectivity Conference as a researcher and community practitioner, I viewed this event as an important opportunity to engage with Indigenous leaders, researchers, policymakers, and Arctic organizations from across the circumpolar North. I was particularly interested in participating in discussions related to Indigenous governance, treaty implementation, Arctic cooperation, food security, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems. I also had the opportunity to co-moderate a panel focused on salmon and Indigenous communities, bringing together representatives from the Gwich’in Council International, Arctic Athabaskan Council, and Sámi Council. The discussion highlighted the cultural, social, and ecological significance of salmon and the shared challenges Indigenous Peoples are facing as salmon populations decline across the Arctic.  

Impact of the Grant 

The UArctic travel grant made it possible for me to participate in an international gathering that otherwise would have been difficult to attend as a PhD student and parent. The financial support helped offset travel costs and enabled me to engage directly with leading Arctic researchers, Indigenous leaders, and decision-makers. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to engage in conversations that crossed national boundaries while revealing shared challenges and aspirations among Indigenous Peoples. Whether discussing salmon conservation, food security, climate change, or governance, there was a strong recognition that Indigenous knowledge and self-determination are essential to the future of the Arctic. 

I am sincerely grateful to UArctic and its supporters for investing in students and early-career researchers. This support creates meaningful opportunities for Indigenous scholars to participate in international conversations and help shape the future of Arctic research and governance.

Ashely's travel grant was funded by Global Affairs Canada.