Food production, renewable energy among topics at Arctic Development Expo in Inuvik

This year's Arctic Development Expo is underway in Inuvik, N.W.T., with over 200 people expected to attend the three-day event. 

"It's where we bring minds from all over the world to discuss northern realities and northern solutions," said Ethan Soltys, the special projects and events co-ordinator with the Town of Inuvik.

Local history will be on display as trade show booths feature Indigenous art and culture.

"We're hosting a Northern games exhibit and the GTC — the Gwich'in Tribal Council — has also brought up an artist to perform, and we're going to have a local community concert in the pavilion," said Soltys.

Among the delegates are representatives from northern businesses, governments and non-profit organizations.

A welcome reception was held Monday night at the Road's End Golf Course. Tours of the community were given as well.

Food production in the North and renewable energy are some of the topics this week. The Inuvik Community Greenhouse will be part of a presentation about northern agricultural opportunities and what is already happening in some northern communities.

Inuvik Mayor Clarence Wood says the expo has a lot of history in the community as the annual conference took the place of the Inuvik Petroleum Show, an annual event that was also held every June.

"It's been a long-standing history in town to host this type of event. We are excited to see the number of people coming this year. Hopefully a lot of new ones and a lot of returnees as well," said Wood.

"People tend to come back over and over again. It's good to see, and it's great for the town."

The conference wraps up Wednesday with a comedy show from a visiting comedian and a concert featuring local musicians.