One Health conference planned over spring break

February 11, 2020

Carla Browning



The University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for One Health Research will partner with the  U.S. Department of State to host the international conference One Health, One Future from March 11-14, in Fairbanks.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier is internationally known for her advocacy work showing the impact of global climate change on human rights, especially among Arctic indigenous peoples. Photo by Stephen Lowe.
Sheila Watt-Cloutier is internationally known for her advocacy work showing the impact of global climate change on human rights, especially among Arctic indigenous peoples. Photo by Stephen Lowe.




Wednesday, March 11, begins with a keynote address from Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Registered conference attendees who choose to purchase tickets, will be treated to live music with Marc Brown and the Blues Crew from 6-8:30 p.m. in the UAF Patty Center.


Thursday, March 12, will focus on social, environmental and cultural changes impacting the mental and behavioral health of people in the circumpolar North, and how a holistic One Health approach may be used to address them.


There will also be a discussion of effects of climate change and permafrost thaw on Arctic populations from a One Health and a community-based participatory approach.


“We Breathe Again,” a film that documents the impacts of intergenerational trauma and suicide in Alaska Native communities through the stories of four Indigenous people, will be screened at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Concert Hall. The screening is free and open to the public.



Friday, March 13, will feature a wide variety of panel discussions. Emily Jenkins, University of Saskatchewan will open the discussion about the importance of a One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases. Other topics include food safety and security in the circumpolar North and environmental contaminants and science communication.


There will also be a free screening of “Attla,” the story of Alaska Native sled dog racer George Attla, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Concert Hall. It is free and open to the public.



Saturday, March 14, will feature John Walsh, International Arctic Research Center chief scientist, speaking on the impacts of climate change on human health, followed by a panel discussion of One Health stakeholders and next steps.


To make things easier, we have set up a separate registration for UAF conference attendees that would like to use their department’s Fund/Org. You can fill out this short form. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kelsey Nicholson at klnicholson2@alaska.edu.