ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting - Phase 1 Showcase
In December 2022, CanNor invited Phase 1 innovators of the Northern Food Innovation Challenge to the 2022 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Toronto to showcase their food systems projects to a greater audience and make connections with other innovators and researchers. That year, ArcticNet hosted over 1,200 members of the Canadian and international Arctic research community for a week of discussion, networking and knowledge sharing, which included 61 topical sessions, 5 plenary sessions, and 26 exhibitors.
As part of this showcase, CanNor hosted a topical session on its Northern Food Innovation Challenge (NFIC). Seven of the Phase 1 innovators were in attendance and provided a pitch-style presentation on their projects to a room full of Northerners, industry representatives, academia, and other participants. The session was moderated by three members of the NFIC Advisory Committee, an external group of northern food security experts who assisted CanNor in program support and assessment. With an audience of nearly 100 conference attendees, the session provided compelling discussion, insightful questions and answers, and an opportunity for innovators to hone their project pitches and discover opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
Following the session, CanNor also hosted a half-day, open workshop at the conference entitled "Meet the Innovators," where they each engaged in discussions with attendees and each other. CanNor representatives marketed this workshop throughout the course of the event through presence at an exhibition booth and targeted materials. This workshop saw a steady flow of conference attendees visiting the booth to learn more about the work being done on community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems in the territories.
Text alternative for Representative of Phase One of NFIC pose for a group photo.
Representatives for the NFIC Phase 1 projects from the University of Waterloo, the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre, the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate, Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation, the Fort Simpson Metis Development Corporation, the Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre of the Ilisaqsivik Society, and the Hamlet of Cambridge Bay participated in the 2022 ASM in Toronto.