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IGNITE Day - August 13, 2026
WAFAR Administration
This summer, WAFAR welcomed its first cohort of IGNITE scholars. Six Western undergraduates spent 14 weeks carrying out full-time, faculty-mentored research on the theme of Arctic sovereignty.
Arctic sovereignty served as a lens for exploring global questions of governance, geopolitics, Indigenous rights, climate change and security. Each scholar pursued an independent project, drawing on anthropology, law, Indigenous studies, international relations and applied math. They worked side by side as a close-knit team, sharing ideas and feedback across disciplines.
Their research covered wide ground:
- Christina Martin-Smith conducted community-guided fieldwork in the Northwest Territories, examining how the role of interpreters has shaped Tłı̨chǫ and Canadian sovereignty.
- Ryan Marsh built an interactive tool that models the economic viability of Arctic shipping routes under climate and market uncertainty.
- Veronica Miranda explored how Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Canadian policy intersect in decisions about the Mary River Mine in Nunavut.
- Finlay McFarlane analyzed the long-term effects of grey-zone operations in the Canadian Arctic.
- Beck McManus developed a model to evaluate the factors driving Canada's submarine procurement decision.
- Max Gao examined how Canada's claims to Arctic maritime sovereignty rely on Inuit occupancy, and what that means for Inuit self-determination.
The summer wrapped up with IGNITE Day on August 13. Scholars presented their findings to students, faculty, university leaders and community members, including local MP Peter Fragiskatos.
The work continues beyond the summer. Scholars are pursuing conference presentations, publications and policy engagement, including a policy paper submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence.