Project Title: Indigenous Perspectives & Human Security in the Arctic: Lessons from Norway for the Canadian Armed Forces
Client: The Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security
Student Names: Cailin Dueck, Eliana Hill-Zeesman, Idara Esiobu, Z. Nadifa Ramadhanty, Zoha Muhammad
Faculty Lead: Dr. Hema Nadarajah
Fieldwork Location: Oslo and Tromso (Norway)
Year: 2025-26
About the Project: Canada’s 2024 Defence Policy (Our North, Strong and Free – ONSAF) and recent investments in defending, building and transforming the Canadian Arctic highlight the significance of the Arctic region to Canada’s national policy agenda. The Canadian Armed Forces have committed to enhancing security and sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic through a human security approach to security. This qualitative study explores perspectives on human security and approaches taken to engagement with Sami people in development of defense and security policy in Norway. Given that Canada and Norway share similar Arctic priorities and maintain close cooperation, this project seeks to draw lessons from Norway to inform considerations for the Canadian Armed Forces as they seek to integrate a human security approach in delivery of defense commitments in the Arctic.
Watch the team’s presentation: