Arctic Resilient Communities Youth Fellowship

Welcome to the Arctic Resilient Communities Youth Fellowship (ARCYF), where we empower the next generation of youth leaders in building resilient Arctic communities. Our program brings together youth from Canada, Greenland, and the United States, who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities.

About

Through a combination of monthly virtual seminars with knowledge holders, a community-based workshop in one of the three participating countries, and a community project that builds local resilience, Arctic Resilient Communities Youth Fellows are supported to lead positive change in their home communities. This core program structure is designed to equip Arctic youth with the skills and knowledge to serve a direct role in responsible development and benefit from the prosperity of resilient Arctic communities. This structure provides the Fellows with targeted skills and enhanced opportunities for personal and professional growth.

ARCYF is a paid program where Fellows receive a monthly stipend for their participation and efforts in developing and implementing a community resilience project. Fellows are also supported through a mentorship network where they receive guidance to implement their projects.

The theme of our 2026 programming is the Harvest Economy. This means we will be exploring how the Harvest Economy relates to community resilience in the Arctic. Sub-themes include: food security; sustainable tourism; commercial harvesting; government support; and cultural significance. The Harvest Economy is a dynamic system that blends traditional harvesting with the modern wage economy across the Arctic. Harvesting remains a vital part of life, providing food, materials, cultural continuity, and contributing to both community well-being and the broader economy.

What to Expect

Arctic Resilient Communities Youth Fellows can expect to engage for approximately 4hrs each month, outside of the Workshop.

Virtual Seminars:  We will gather for 1.5 – 2 hours on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am Alaska Time on Jan 14, February 14, March 11, April 8.  Seminars may include panel and roundtable discussions with leaders on Arctic-focused Harvest topics with representatives from each country, and Indigenous cultural exchange opportunities including storytelling.  

Project planning/networking: You may use up to 2 hours a month of independent time working on projects.

Workshop Location & Timing: Our community-based workshop takes place March 25-April 3, 2026 on the lands of Denendeh (an area of which is also known as the Northwest Territories, Canada). The workshop will be 4-5 days, you can plan for 7-10 days including travel to and from your country.  Workshop activities may include tours with tourism operators on how to build successful tourism businesses.  Community members and artists may share strategies for cultural and commercial ties across the Arctic based on blending subsistence with market activities.

2023 Fellows

Launched to ensure the future of the Arctic is shaped by Arctic voices, the inaugural program united 18 young leaders from Alaska, Canada, and Greenland through workshops, academic learning, and hands-on community projects. Their transformative journey set the stage for continued investment in the emerging leaders who will guide the Arctic’s future.

Program Support

ARCYF is a collaborative effort between the Institute of the North, North Star Group, sponsored largely by the Government of Canada. Additional support has been provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Greenland School of Minerals and Petroleum (KTI), the Denali Commission, Alaska Airlines, the Rasmuson Foundation, the George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation, the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co; and Northern Light.