Two simple observations are made so often about the Indian Act as to amount to clichés: That the 1876 Act is still with us, and that it should be “abolished.” The first of these is technically false; the 1876 Act was repealed in 1951, and replaced with the Act we have today, though it has been … [Read more...]
A Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Sovereignty in the Arctic
We, the Inuit of Inuit Nunaat, declare as follows: 1. Inuit and the Arctic 1.1 Inuit live in the Arctic. Inuit live in the vast, circumpolar region of land, sea and ice known as the Arctic. We depend on the marine and terrestrial plants and animals supported by the coastal zones of the Arctic … [Read more...]
An Introduction to Inuit Rights and Arctic Sovereignty
The rapidly changing climate in the Arctic is opening up the possibility of exploiting the natural resources contained in the Arctic Ocean seabed. Arctic and non-Arctic States are angling to gain control over these resources that were previously locked below the sea ice. What cannot be forgotten … [Read more...]
Inuit Rights to the Arctic
As I continue my work on the issue of Inuit rights to the Arctic, my guiding principles are that Inuit must be equal partners in decision-making in the Arctic, resource development must promote the health of Inuit communities, and the environment must be protected. I am currently looking at what … [Read more...]
