Since the declaration of the world-wide pandemic in March 2020 non-essential travel has been discouraged and, in some cases not permitted by public health orders. Many Arctic researchers and organizations had to find new ways to engage with northern communities which would still enable work to move forward and objectives to be met.

Technology allowed for virtual engagement practices to emerge and was particularly effective with established collaborators while also allowing new connections to be made.

As we look beyond 2021, some adaptations to community engagement practices may continue for the short and possibly, medium term, and eventually may be built into a ‘new normal’.

Karen Costello