The Arctic & Northern Sovereignty: Infrastructure as a Catalyst

Dr. Ryan Connon is the Senior Knowledge Advisor for the Government of the Northwest Territories, where he leads the development of long-term strategic research initiatives and territorial science policy. He works closely with territorial and federal departments, Indigenous governments and organizations, academic institutions, and industry to promote collaborative research projects to support the integration of scientific, Indigenous, and other knowledge systems into government priorities. Ryan holds a Ph.D. in cold regions hydrology, as well as adjunct faculty positions at Queen’s University and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Dr. Jessica M. Shadian is President and CEO of Arctic360, Canada’s Arctic think tank. She gained international recognition as an academic and researcher living in the Nordic Arctic after completing her dissertation research at the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, UK and Ph.D. (International Relations), University of Delaware (2006). Since moving to Canada in 2013, her thought leadership on Arctic geopolitics, infrastructure, critical minerals, and innovation has been sought by Canadian and European governments, institutions, industry, and media.

Tracy St. Denis is a seasoned public service executive currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Defence Coordination for the Government of Northwest Territories, where she leads strategic planning and territorial alignment for anticipated investments by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Based in Yellowknife, Canada, she has spent decades driving public sector programs and economic development in the region. Her extensive career history with the territorial government includes senior leadership positions such as Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs and Services, Assistant Deputy Minister of Economic Development, and Director of Economic Diversification. In addition to her civil service achievements, she actively supports community impact in the Canadian northwest as the Past Chair of the Board for the United Way Northwest Territories.

Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, responsible for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovation that will solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean.  Kendra is leading the change in the culture of doing business in ocean from coast-to-coast-to-coast, increasing collaboration across ocean sectors and growing Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way. In recognition of her leadership in building the Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra has named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine for the last five years and one of Canada’s Top Sustainability Leaders by Clean50 in 2022.

Prior to leading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a Partner in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice and the Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global.

Katherine Alivaktuk is the Director of Inuit Qaujisrvingat (cow-yee-sar-ving-at) at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. Currently Katherine oversees research partnerships that connect across Inuit Nunangat, organizes ethics review for the Qanuitpitaa National Inuit Health Survey while promoting Inuit research priorities outline in the National Inuit Strategy on Research.

Joseph Galimberti joined the PAL Group of Companies in 2018 as Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs. Prior to joining PAL, Mr. Galimberti held a variety of executive positions, including President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada, Director of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada, and various roles with the Government of Canada. He is also the co-owner of a family business, Broad Street Cycles, in Victoria, British Columbia and a former Trustee on the Board of Pearson College UWC.