This episode explores how two remote Arctic communities have turned waste management challenges into opportunities. From community-driven initiatives like turning plastic bottles into 3D printer filament in Nunavut to large-scale cleanups in Sámi communities in Russia, this episode features inspiring stories about how local leadership and community collaboration can make a real difference even when resources are limited. Whether you’re curious about sustainable solutions or just want to hear inspiring stories from the Arctic, tune in to hear how Arctic communities are proving that even trash can spark meaningful change.  

Guests, in order of appearance: 

Michele LeBlanc Havard, Government of Nunavut 

Patrick Huber, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Julius Mihkkal Lindi, the Saami Council 

We also would like to thank Shankell Mack of Aleut International Association. Her insights helped inform this episode. 

The music in this episode is by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission. Sound design by Både Og Studios.

This Way Up is produced by the Arctic Council Secretariat and Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat. The views expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of all Arctic States and Permanent Participants. 

Through the voices of local fishers and a scientist, we explore the ongoing salmon crisis in the Arctic and what food security and food sovereignty mean in practice. You'll learn about why some salmon species are rapidly declining, new invasive species on the rise and how measures to conserve them have upended the foundation of communities. You'll also learn about different cultures' connections with salmon, how Indigenous Peoples are adapting to new realities and why management decisions can't be made on science alone. This is a story about knowledge, identity and building bridges that raises the question - how do you manage a river and species in crisis, and who gets to decide the future?

Guests, in order of appearance:

Áslat Holmberg, Saami Council

Jaakko Erkinaro, Natural Resources Institute Finland

Deenaalee Chase-Hodgdon, formerly Arctic Athabaskan Council

We would like to thank Camilla Brattland of the University in Tromsø and Rolf Rødven of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. They provided their insights for this episode.

The music in this episode is by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission.

This Way Up is produced by the Arctic Council Secretariat and Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat. The views expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of all Arctic States and Permanent Participants.

• Sara Olsvig, International Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, on why Indigenous Knowledge and human rights must be at the core of Arctic policy.
  

• Petteri Vuorimäki, Finland’s former Arctic Ambassador and Senior Arctic Official, on bridging global understanding of the circumpolar region and finding balance between competing interests.

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  Heïdi Sevestre, glaciologist and science communicator at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Secretariat, on translating urgent climate science into human stories that inspire change.

Together, they discuss why the Arctic matters far beyond its borders, what gaps remain in global advocacy efforts and how Indigenous Knowledge, science and diplomacy can come together to help the region thrive. From environmental change and critical energy transition minerals to human rights and geoengineering, their conversation highlights the complexity of the Arctic, and why listening, humility and cooperation are essential for its future. Tune in to hear how you, too, can advocate for the Arctic.