1960: The Institute for Northern Studies Established
The Institute for Northern Studies was established in January 1960 as a
multi-disciplinary unit dedicated to research on the Canadian North and other
circumpolar regions, with a special emphasis on northern Saskatchewan.
The federal government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker – a University of
Saskatchewan alumnus and its future Chancellor – had made “Northern Vision” a
priority. This coincided with the
considerable and longstanding northern research initiatives undertaken by
University staff, including that of Balfour
Currie, one of the Institute’s supporters. Geologist
J.B. Mawdsley was named the Institute’s first director.
Professor Robert Williamson, with financial support from the Donner
Foundation, had established an Arctic Research and Training Centre (ARTC) in
Rankin Inlet. Through the ARTC, the
Institute was able to offer University courses in addition to supporting
applied research. A public lecture program
was also initiated, as was The Musk-Ox,
which became the leading northern scientific journal in Canada.
Those associated with the Institute were also often involved in public
service work. Walter Kupsch was
executive director for the Commission on the Development of the Government of
the Northwest Territories; Robert Williamson served as an elected member of the
NWT legislature, and Lloyd Barber later became Canada’s Indian Claims
Commissioner.
| Related Collections |  |
Institute for Northern Studies fonds, RG 2100.
W.O. Kupsch fonds, MG 146.
R. Williamson fonds, MG 216.
| Images | |
1960a: pamphlet. INS fonds, file A.3.b.
1960b: photograph of INS crest. INS fonds, file A.3.a
| Sources | |
Annual Report, 1960.
Institute for Northern Studies fonds, file A.3.b.
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