VISITORS to the photographic exhibition “Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving,” at the High Court on Monday were treated to a surprise appearance from Pierre, a very human-looking polar bear.

Alas, Pierre was only there for the opening, but his presence signified the accessibility of this exhibition of contemporary photographs of the Canadian Arctic.

The Acting High Commissioner of Canada, Charles Reeves, says the travelling exhibition of photos from “Canadian Geographic Magazine” has previously been seen at the National Library of Australia, the University of Tasmania and the South Australian Museum. Its importance, he says, is in its focus on the heritage and the lives of “northerners” in Canada, many of them from the First Nation communities of the country.

This small but beautifully-hung show has introduced me for the first time to the word “circumpolar” as it explores the lives of northerners, their environment and their day to day activities.

While there are several photographs showing breathtaking land and seascapes, the chief focus in “Canada’s Arctic” is on the faces of human characters.

Nonetheless, as Mr Reeves says, there is an important back-story to do with the Arctic Council.

It’s a story of balancing development and sustainability during a time of great progress, especially in the area of mining, offering opportunities to the inhabitants of the region, people whose resilience has triumphed in the face of environmental challenges.

“Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving,” at the High Court of Australia until until Thursday, July 2. Free entry.