The Joint Arctic Weather Stations: A collaborative program between Canada and the United States

In this podcast episode, Greg Marchildon speaks to P. Whitney Lackenbauer about his book, The Joint Arctic Weather Stations: Science and Sovereignty in the High Arctic, 1946-1972. The book is co-authored with Daniel Heidt. This history is a fascinating look at the Joint Arctic Weather Station (JAWS) initiative, and its five locations in Alert, Eureka, Resolute, Isachsen, and Mould Bay. Lackenbauer describes their creation, the Canada-US relations involved in the program, and the impact of the stations. He further looks at the roles of civilians and leaders in the functioning of the stations and the challenges that arose during this period. He concludes by elaborating on the reasons why JAWS was shut down and its lasting legacy. Whitney Lackenbauer is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and a Professor in the School for the Study of Canada and the Department of History at Trent University. He is one of Canada’s foremost experts on both Arctic history and contemporary issues concerning Arctic security and international relations in the region. This podcast was produced by Jessica Schmidt. Image credit: Wilfred Doucette / National Film Board of Canada / Library and Archives Canada / PA-142404 If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.