Finnish Ambassador Hanna-Leena Korteniemi and other Nordic leaders recently visited Haines Junction, Yukon, to talk about new tourism opportunities and building stronger ties with the community. The group met with the local mayor to discuss community goals and ways to work more closely on projects led by First Nations.
This visit was organized under an initiative called “The Nordics go North,” which aims to bring international diplomats to northern towns to learn about local life. According to the Embassy of Finland to Canada, the goal is to move past meetings in big cities and build direct relationships with people in smaller communities.
Hanna-Leena Korteniemi has served as the top representative for the Finnish Government in Canada since January 15, 2025. Since taking the role, she has prioritized travel across the territories to understand how different regions handle business, trade, and the environment.
The ambassadors are touring northern areas to discuss shared interests such as protecting the environment and managing local forests. By meeting with leaders in Haines Junction, the diplomats hope to create lasting partnerships that focus on sustainable growth and shared northern expertise.
