Arctic Encounter Summit~2026~Rebuilding Alliances and Trust

The 12th Arctic Encounter Summit was held April 15-17, 2026 in Anchorage, Alaska at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Many leaders and attendees that gather year after year for the Arctic Encounter come for renewal and friendship with the common bond of all things Arctic, including discussions about climate change, scientific research, fisheries, natural resources, Arctic policy, military strategy, meting sea ice and permafrost, subsistence hunting, land usage and leadership of Indigenous youth.  After a rather tense year in Arctic Geopolitics, this year's Arctic Encounter served an even greater purpose of renewal and rebuilding trust of alliances.  

For those first learning about the Arctic Encounter, it is the largest Arctic Policy event attended by Arctic leaders and Indigenous leaders, Members of Parliament and Ambassadors from nations including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Faroe Islands, Slovenia, European Union, and Indigenous Leaders including the Inuit & Inupiat. Military leaders, businesses of the North, including Alaska Airlines, Davie Defense, and the University of Alaska also were part of the discussions, breakout sessions and forums. Senator Lisa Murkowski and Governor Mike Dunleavy gave featured remarks during luncheons on Thursday and Friday that added important leadership insights about the current state of affairs as well as the importance of maintaining alliances among all of the Arctic Nations. 

This year's challenges in the Arctic felt like a 'Summit' since the tensions, war in Iran and  a disrupted world order have greatly impacted the trust between long time allies and alliances. 

The moderators that played a key role in the intensive discussions held over the three days were Mike Sfraga and Libby Casey, both being as seasoned as they come. Sfraga, a former US Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, and Casey of NPR and former Washington Post and Alaska Public Media, tactfully led panels of leaders, scientists, politicians, and Indigenous leaders thru fascinating and sometimes difficult topics about the current affairs in the Arctic. 

Founder and CEO of the Arctic Encounter, Rachel Kallander and her team, Jackson Blackwell, Reed Davidson, and Board of Directors created a welcoming atmosphere at this year's 2026 Arctic Encounter Summit that fostered discussions,  collaboration, friendship and renewed bonds for an inclusive exceptional Arctic Policy event. 

https://www.arcticencounter.com

I'd like to thank Rachel Kallander, Jackson Blackwell, Reed Davidson, and their incredible teamwork in putting on this year's Arctic Encounter Summit. 

Thank you all for listening to the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast. I can be reached at: ktphotowork@gmail.com

As we approach the summer of 2026, I'm happy to announce that I will be operating a scenic flight business, Visionary Adventures with my Piper Super Cub for flights over Alaska's beautiful wilderness.

Katie Writer

Pilot/Journalist/Photographer

Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast

907/863-7669

www.cubflights.com