Commentary
Yukon as a Regional & Circumpolar Actor
Hon. Currie Dixon
As the Arctic and its variety of governance institutions and intergovernmental forums have gained
significant international attention, sub-national governments in the circumpolar north have begun to
play an increasingly important role on the international stage. While high level foreign policy and
international relations continue to be in the realm of national governments, sub-nationals like
provinces, territories, states, autonomous regions, First Nations and Aboriginal governments are
participating and interacting in many new ways. While this involvement is a welcome step forward,
enhanced roles for sub-national governments should come with some greater scrutiny and analysis of
their respective positions and policies. Such a review will elucidate why and how sub-national
governments conduct themselves outside of their own borders and may reveal observations not only
about how these governments are viewed by others, but how they view themselves.
As an initial contribution to this end, the Yukon provides interesting subject matter. I would argue
that the Yukon adopts and assumes multiple identities as it conducts its business outside of its
territorial borders. It would seem that there are four such identities, which are defined by the Yukon’s
geography, economy, population, and political institutions.
First and foremost, Yukon is quite clearly an Arctic territory. It participates actively in
intergovernmental Arctic forums like the Arctic Council and the Northern Forum. During Canada’s
chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2013-2015), Yukon led Canadian efforts on Arctic Council
Working Groups, typically focusing on issues related to climate change research and adaptation.
Currie Dixon is a Member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, and is Minister of Community Services and Minister
Responsible for the Public Service Commission.