Lisa and Marcus Barr, Lead Observer for the Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO) in Brevig Mission, attended the Exchange for Local Observations and Knowledge of the Arctic (ELOKA) Annual Meeting in Victoria, BC, from November 13–15.
ELOKA is a network of community-led initiatives dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing local observations and Indigenous Knowledge across the circumpolar North. Two AOOS-supported programs—the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub (AAOKH) and SIWO—joined community-led groups from Canada, Greenland, and Finland at this year’s gathering.
Lisa and Marcus found a polar bear in the city!
During the three-day meeting, participants found solidarity in their shared efforts to support community-led observing across the Arctic. While each country faces distinct challenges—including political and economic barriers and varying recognition of Indigenous Knowledge—attendees voiced a common vision for strengthening this work. A combination of panels, breakout discussions, and cultural activities helped participants connect, exchange solutions, and spark ideas for future collaboration.
Marcus Barr spoke on a panel titled Advancing Community-led Observing in a Changing Arctic Landscape, which explored effective practices for sharing and stewarding observations. Youth engagement emerged as a major theme, with lively conversations about creative ways to involve young people in language revitalization, observing projects, and other efforts that position them as both active contributors and future leaders.
Overall, the meeting offered a valuable opportunity to deepen relationships across the network and highlight the essential role of community-led programs in shaping our understanding of Arctic environments.
To learn more about ELOKA, visit their webpage: https://eloka.nsidc.org/eloka.