WASH - Water/Sanitation/Hygiene Winter School 2026 - Nunavik, QC, Canada

Context

Populations in isolated Arctic communities in Canada often have limited access to water and sewage services. Most communities use water trucks to deliver water, which is stored in domestic tanks. This method can affect the quantity of water available to the population and presents a high risk of contamination during water distribution and storage.

Limited access to water can lead to significant consequences for the population, such as the spread of infectious diseases but also limit provision of health care and services during water shortages. At community level, the water supply can lead to schools closure and limit access to healthcare services in villages. Innovative and appropriate solutions to water and sewage services in the Arctic are necessary.

Objective of the school

This school aims to gather students, professionals, researchers, water and sewage stakeholders and public health authorities from different arctic regions (Canada, Greenland and Alaska), to collaborate on practical challenges and develop appropriate solutions.

The long-term objective of this school is to train students to develop inclusive and respectful relationships with Indigenous and northern communities as well as the capacity to develop suitable strategies to ensure reliable water and wastewater services in the Arctic.

Winter school structure

From January to March 2026, online content (readings and videos) will be made available to participants to learn about the Arctic context of water and sanitation services and their impact on public health.

Then, during a week of teamwork in Nunavik, QC, students will be teamed up with experts, practitioners, and local stakeholders to collaborate on practical challenges and develop appropriate solutions. A final report will be submitted and evaluated.

Location and dates of the week in Nunavik

Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik research station belonging to the Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), in Kuujjuarapik, Nunavik, QC, Canada

From March 30^th to April 3^rd, 2026

Funding

Travel from Quebec City and Montreal, Canada to Nunavik (Kuujjuarapik, QC, Canada) is provided by the organizing committee.

Travel from student home institution to Canada is not provided. We highly recommend students to apply for travel grants from their institution or their country, or to the UArctic north2north program if they are eligible.

Also, contribution to students travel fees of might be available (but NOT guaranteed) if organizing committee has funds remaining. Information on available funds will be communicated to participants after their registration has been validated.

How to apply?

Deadline to apply : December 12, 2025

• Fill in the online form.  

For further information, contact Prof. Guilherme, stephanie.guilherme@gci.ulaval.ca