On this 60th anniversary of the Canada Flag, at a time when our neighbour to the south unexpectedly threatens our sovereignty, I share a memento I have kept from my grad school fieldwork: a flag that flew at PEARL, the high Arctic atmospheric observatory located on Ellesmere Island at 80˚N.
I’ve had this flag since 2012 – my first field campaign at PEARL, and my first time in the Canadian Arctic. It is a reminder of my time at PEARL and enthusiasm for its unique research. But my memories of that trip involve more than science. Then, as now, a larger political context loomed over us, casting an unsettling shadow
The battered state of the flag seemed symbolic of the larger Canadian science mood in February 2012. Canadian science, too, was weathering a storm.
About a week after we arrived at the remote research lab, began our measurements, and hit our stride, we were informed that its funding was cut. It wouldn’t just be Canadian atmospheric research; there were widespread cuts to science support. As an Ottawa-born and proud Canadian, I embrace winter weather. But this political chill struck me deeply and motivated a new engagement in science advocacy that continues to this day.
(A fuller retelling of my first Arctic field campaign and funding loss story was posted here.)
What did we do at PEARL in 2012, when faced with existential uncertainty?
Proudly raise a new flag.
It’s still there.
What should we do in the face of this new uncertainty and national challenge?
Remind ourselves why we’re here, what we’re trying to achieve, and fight for it.
One step is easy and meaningful: proudly raise our flag.
