Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Arctic Circle of Indigenous Communicators (ACIC) IPY Circumpolar Information Initiative  (The Initiative)

Outline
ACIC is an association of professional indigenous journalists practicing in all media in he circumpolar North (see www.circumpolarRoute.org/MembersList ). Through the Initiative, ACIC members will plan and implement a five-year strategy to establish a Secretariat; research, create and disseminate Northern content for all media; and become a sustainable network of circumpolar operations. The Initiative proposes to use existing communications infrastructure in the Arctic, and to expand audiences through streaming of radio and use of other recent technology. The Initiative will advocate and work towards connection of Arctic communications to the Internet, where that is not currently available. The Initiative is intended to raise awareness of IPY projects and significant Northern developments both in the Arctic and with the public at large. The unique characteristic of the Initiative is that it is driven by Northern residents, using and enhancing existing infrastructure. Radio the most commonly used medium of communication in Arctic settlements around the pole. There are many community radio stations which operate with minimal resources, but which serve as the most significant communication for isolated communities. The Initiative aims to establish a Secretariat as headquarters for finding out which IPY projects are in each area, and to encourage community radio broadcasters to collect information on their purposes and progress. This information will be used to disseminate reports and narrative to a pre-determined list of related media. Benefits include that non-Northerners will have direct access to IPY news, from a Northern perspective. Community radio will build capacity and involve more people in creating content and programming. Shared issues can be debated and discussed among communities, government, and industry operating in the North.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project has the potential to make IPY scientific research widely available in both Northern and non-northern areas. Capacity within communities will be built, and youth will have the opportunity to participate without leaving the communities. Use of traditional languages can be incorporated, and the major languages of the circumpolar regions can be accommodated. Any scientific or educational IPY project can make use of this network. Cooperation among projects would be facilitated. Areas with low literacy can use narration to communicate. The legacy will be a developed network which can exchange local, regional, national, and international information.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The Arctic Circle of Indigenous Communicators in an international association with members from all Arctic countries.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Radio, television, and Internet connections can reach all the participating countires (Russia, USA (Alaska), Canada, Greenland (Denmark), Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Secretariats should be headquartered in Northern settlements.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07-06/11            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The facilities necessary could probably relate well to the “nodes” established by IPY. It would be useful to share secretariat space with IPY to facilitate information exchange, networking, and technical advice. Alternatively, existing radio station facilities could be shared in some places.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project’s central focus is to leave a legacy of communications infrastructure. This is critical to Northern development and connection.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

In the circumpolar North, police and military already have developed Internet connectivity. The Scandinavian countries and Greenland have superior connectivity. Corporations often have special communications arrangements. Sharing could be explored.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No - The Initiative has been invited to join Team IPY based at the University of Colorado in the US. There are other possibilities for cooperation as well.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


It is potentially part of an existing programme. The Initiative needs to be based and operated in the North by Northerners, with technical support from similar programmes which can be located anywhere.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A primary Secretariat will be established following a planning session involving all Members of ACIC. An Executive Director will be appointed to manage implementation of the Strategic Plan over the five-year planning horizon. He/she will be supported by a technical and an administrative function. A Board of Directors will oversee financial and technical affairs.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This proposal satisfied the issues outlined in the Framework document. If further details are required, there is a full five-year Strategic Plan which includes budget, timelines, and strategies.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
We are in discussions with Team IPY as to how to integrate data management into their proposed structure.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
ACIC is seeking partnerships with corporations operating the Canadian and Alaskan North, as well as start-up funding from IPY for the overall strategic planning phase. Private foundations are being approached. First Nations and Inuit organizations will be requested to become involved.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
There is a strong requirement that this project be kept simple and accessible to community communications functions in the small Arctic settlements. One important barrier to local radio and television in the North has been the need to justify funding for small initiatives every year, consuming inordinate amounts of administrative time. It should be understood that most community radio stations have a staff of one or two people performing all the tasks of running the operation, with volunteer help. The Initiative would like to bring more support to these groups and to help them realize the potential of 21st century technology. In the absence of streaming, non-Northerners do not have access to Northern information.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Ms Mary Stapleton
Arctic Circumpolar Gateway
Box 12, Site 7, R.R. 8, Calgary, AB
T2J 2T9
Canada

Tel: +1.403.931.2453
Mobile: no
Fax: +1.403.931.2454
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation