As global interest in the Arctic grows, a Trent University researcher is studying Canada’s North and helping shape national defence policy to support the long-term security of northern communities. Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of Canada’s North, conducts research that is focused on developing strategies that reflect the perspectives and voices of Indigenous leadership and northern communities.
Through the School for the Study of Canada, Trent is advancing an interdisciplinary approach to Arctic security – bridging defence policy, Indigenous leadership, and strategic infrastructure development. Dr. Lackenbauer, an internationally recognized authority on Arctic sovereignty and security, has become a key resource for governments as they navigate how best to secure the North amid increased geopolitical attention and the modernization of North American defence.
As Canada strengthens its continental security systems in partnership with allies, Dr. Lackenbauer’s work focuses on how Canadians can devise more effective policies and practices by refining their understanding of the interplay between technology, international competition, and a changing climate. The goal is to produce more effective and inclusive decision-making that supports national security and ensures long-term value for northern communities through infrastructure, training, and local capacity.
For more information, visit Trent University.
