Food production, renewable energy among the topics of the Arctic Development Expo in Inuvik

This year’s Arctic Development Expo is underway in Inuvik, NWT, with more than 200 people expected to attend the three-day event.

“This is where we bring together minds from around the world to discuss northern realities and northern solutions,” said Ethan Soltys, special projects and events coordinator for the City of Inuvik.

Local history will be showcased at fair stands showcasing native art and culture.

“We are hosting the Northern Games exhibit, and the GTC – the Gwich’in Tribal Council – has also invited an artist to perform, and we are planning a community concert at the pavilion,” Soltys said.

Delegates include representatives from northern businesses, governments and non-profit organizations.

A welcome reception was held on Monday evening at Road’s End Golf Course. Tours around the commune were also organized.

Food production in the North and renewable energy are just some of this week’s topics. The Inuvik Community Greenhouse will be part of a presentation on agricultural opportunities in the north and what is already happening in some northern communities.

Inuvik Mayor Clarence Wood says the show has a long history in the community because the annual conference replaced the Inuvik Petroleum Show, an annual event also held every June.

“People come back here a lot,” said Clarence Wood, mayor of Inuvik. (Dez Loreen/CBC)

“Organizing this type of events in the city has been a long tradition. We are thrilled with the number of people who came this year. “We hope to have a lot of newcomers and a lot of returnees,” Wood said.

“People come back here often. It’s nice to see it and it’s great for the city.”

The conference will end on Wednesday with a comedy performance by a guest comedian and a concert with local musicians.