GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Grønlandsudvalget 2019-20
GRU Alm.del Bilag 33
Offentligt

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Implementing the

Utqiaġvik Declaration

2018 – 2022

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Inuit

Inuit – The Arctic We Want

Ukiuqtaqturijumajavut

Arctic-aaq Piyulput

Irrituruagisuktaqput

Eslaghllak Piyukegkaghput

Issittoq Uagut Pilluta

Photo: Carolina Behe

“We [Inuit] are an international community sharing common

language, culture, and a common land along the Arctic coast

of Siberia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. Although not

a nation-state, as a people, we do constitute a nation.”

– Eben Hopson, Sr.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Kuluk R. Lyberth

There are 7.6 billion people on earth. There are approximately 165,000 [

sic

]

Inuit on the

entire planet. So, we need every single one of us; every woman, every man, every young

person, every child, every mother, every father, every elder. We need every Inuk. Period.

We should be willing to call upon our past leaders as sources of knowledge and wisdom.

We need every future leader. Every Inuk is wanted. Every Inuk is welcomed. And, every

Inuk is valued. More significantly, every Inuk is the Inuit Circumpolar Council.

–Dr. Dalee Sambo Dorough, 2018

________

The estimated global Inuit population is 180,000 people.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC)

Founded in 1977 by the late Eben Hopson, Sr. of

Utqiaġvik,

Alaska (formerly Barrow), the Inuit Circumpolar Council

(ICC) has flourished and grown into a major international non-governmental organization (NGO) representing

approximately 180,000 Inuit of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka (Russian). In 1980, ICC delegates convened

at a General Assembly in Nuuk, and formally adopted a charter and bylaws followed by the election of Hans-Pavia

Rosing, the first ICC President. The organization holds Economic and Social Council NGO Consultative Status II at the

United Nations and is a Permanent Participant at the Arctic Council.

To thrive in our circumpolar homeland of Inuit Nunaat we had the vision to realize that we must speak with a united

voice on issues of common concern and combine our energies and talents towards protecting and promoting our way

of life. The principal goals of ICC are, therefore, to:

•

Strengthen unity among Inuit of the circumpolar region;

Promote Inuit rights and interests on an international level;

Develop and encourage long-term policies that safeguard the

Arctic environment; and

Seek full and active partnership in the political, economic, and

social development of circumpolar regions

ICC represents the interests of the Inuit and we have offices in four

Arctic regions – Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Chukotka. We are

one people, in a single homeland, across four countries.

The ICC receives its mandate from a General Assembly held every

four years. The General Assembly is the heart of the organization,

providing an opportunity for sharing information, discussing

common concerns, debating issues, and strengthening the unity

between all Inuit across our homelands. At the Assembly, delegates

approve a declaration which is the mandate of the international

organization for a four-year term. In 2018, the Assembly was held in

Utqiagvik, Alaska. Between Assemblies, the Chair and an Executive

Council consisting of two members from each country, oversee the

work of the organization.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Our Priorities

The 2018 Utqiaġvik Declaration sets out ICC’s priorities

and objectives for the 2018-2022 term. The priorities are:

• International Indigenous Human Rights

and International Partnerships

• Food Security

• Families and Youth

• Health and Wellness

• Education and Language

• Indigenous Knowledge

• Sustainable Wildlife Management

• Environment

• Sustainable Development

• Communication and Capacity Building

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Photo: Tusaayaksat

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Brian Adams

Our Values Guide Our Work

The core value of Inuit identity is the driving force behind the work of ICC. We Inuit are guided by our Indigenous Knowledge and

culture. We continue to rely on the land and ocean for nutrition, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being as well as traditional healing

across Inuit Nunaat. This way of life has sustained our people and culture for thousands of years and is integral to our shared values,

traditions, status and rights.

There is a strong connection between our culture, environment and our homeland, which transcends national and political boundaries

and connects us as one people. We affirm our right to self-determination and through a unified voice and approach are committed to

advocate for, and protect the collective interests of, our membership at the international level. We serve Inuit throughout Inuit Nunaat

with optimism and through the most innovative, creative ways possible. We are focused upon our cultural survival and the integrity of

our homelands now and into the future, autonomously and in cooperation with others. These values are at the heart and foundation of

the ICC.

Our Vision for Our Future

When Inuit address issues of common concerns through a unified voice, we find strength in our unity. This principle was first articulated

at the founding meeting of ICC in 1977 and it remains true today.

The theme of the 2018 Utqiaġvik General Assembly was “The Arctic We Want”. Our vision is one of a world where Inuit are leading

the way in every facet of life, creating and sustaining a future we can be proud to be a part of and which supports our way of life.

ICC’s plan of action is to maintain the unity of our people across the circumpolar Arctic region, to develop common goals and

initiatives, and to work collectively, inclusive of all Inuit communities and regions to carry out the priorities and objectives adopted

through the Utqiaġvik Declaration.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Our Strategy and Plan for Implementation

Strategic Focus Areas

ICC held a Strategic Planning Workshop in December 2018 to develop plans to implement the Utqiaġvik Declaration. At this

meeting three key objectives were identified, referred to as strategic focus areas in this document, that will have far reaching impacts

on organizational performance. As implementation plans are developed for each of the priority areas, we will be mindful of these

Strategic Focus Areas and will work towards integrating them into the plans.

• Improving Communications (Internal and External)

• Improving Youth Engagement

• Strengthening Collaboration and Team work

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Implementation Plans and Teams

ICC recognized the importance of developing implementation plans as key to addressing our priorities. Detailed

implementation plans that include clear objectives, tasks, timelines, identify persons responsible, and asks what resources

are needed will be developed for each of the priorities.

Implementation teams will be created to set the strategic approach and develop the plans. Every team will include

representation from each of the countries.

• Operations and Organizational Efficiency

• International Indigenous Human Rights and International Partnerships

• Food Security

• Families and Youth

• Health and Wellness

• Education and Language

• Indigenous Knowledge

• Sustainable Wildlife Management

• Environment

• Sustainable Development

• Communication and Capacity Building

Evaluation

In addition to the implementation teams conducting regular evaluation of progress, the implementation plans will be evaluated

biannually by the ICC Executive Council to ensure that we are on track to meet the objectives by the next General Assembly in 2022.

A key consideration in the evaluation process will be whether the plans are responsive to the strategic focus areas.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Brian Adams

Utqiaġvik Declaration 2018-2022

As declared by the Inuit of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka on the occasion of the 13th General Assembly of the Inuit

Circumpolar Council (ICC) from 16-19 July 2018 in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, and in the context of the Assembly theme:

"Inuit – The Arctic We Want”

•

Appreciative

of the warm welcome from the North Slope Borough and the community of Utqiaġvik, which lies at the confluence

of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas and has been home to the Iñupiat since time immemorial;

Reaffirming

that Inuit are one Arctic people living in four nations across Inuit Nunaat, our shared homeland, that today

encompasses northern Alaska, Chukotka, Canada, and Greenland, as declared in the 2009 Circumpolar Inuit Declaration

on Sovereignty in the Arctic;

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

"Inuit – The Arctic We Want”

continued

•

Further reaffirming

that the rights to lands, resources and territories and the right of self-determination, affirmed by the United

Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), applies to our entire homeland, including lands, waters,

ice, air space and resources;

Celebrating

the 40th Anniversary of ICC and recalling that Eben Hopson, Sr. invited Inuit from across Inuit Nunaat to Utqiaġvik

in 1977 to work together in solidarity, to share regional experiences, celebrate our strength and unity as Inuit, and pursue and

coordinate collective international and local actions;

Envisioning

a future defined by Inuit, reflective of our General Assembly theme, “Inuit-The Arctic We Want” and respectful

of our rights, as Indigenous Peoples, to protect Inuit Nunaat and enhance our culture, health, and wellbeing and protect

our language;

Committing

to take full and effective action to prevent suicide among Inuit by advancing cultural and evidence-based

interventions;

Understanding

that food security is central to Inuit identity and way of life; is characterized by a healthy environment

and encompasses access, availability, economics, physical and mental health, Inuit culture, decision-making power

and management, and education. Therefore, it will be promoted and endorsed in all aspects of ICC’s work;

Acknowledging

the value of each ICC General Assembly Declaration as instrumental for guiding action on our shared

priorities and for monitoring ongoing issues;

Affirming

that this Utqiaġvik Declaration is a strategic document in support of the actions that we consider achievable over

the next four years and that reflect our priorities.

•

We hereby:

Thank

the city and people of Utqiaġvik for hosting ICC’s 13th General Assembly;

Welcome and Adopt

the ICC Report on Activities 2014–2018;

Recognize

the value of the reports, and presentations provided, and discussions held throughout, this

General Assembly which have informed our actions and priorities;

4. Direct

ICC to collaborate and enhance communication within our membership and with the rest of the world.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

International Indigenous Human Rights and International Partnerships

The interrelated, interdependent and indivisible rights of Inuit are recognized and affirmed in the

UN Declaration

as an international

human rights instrument as well as in other legal and political instruments and mechanisms, including land rights legislation and

agreements, and self-government, intergovernmental and constitutional arrangements.

We were central in the creation of the Arctic Council and we remain an important voice as a Permanent Participant. Among other

human rights, our United Nations Consultative Status provides us with the opportunity to advance our rights to lands, territories

and resources as recognized in UN Declaration, including those lands, territories, and resources that we have “traditionally owned,

occupied or otherwise used or acquired”. Our role within the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII),

as a central United Nations coordinating body for Indigenous Peoples, remains a priority of the ICC.

Recognizing the importance of international fora, ICC will continue its advocacy work and participation in decision-making processes

and pursue the following actions to affirm and strengthen Inuit rights throughout Inuit Nunaat and globally:

Mandate

that ICC immediately develop a strategic plan for improving coherence and coordination of inclusive engagement

in international fora and to map out the four-year term to implement and further the directives contained in this Declaration being

mindful of the ICC Arctic Policy and ICC Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Sovereignty in the Arctic, and the ICC Circumpolar Inuit

Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat;

Acknowledge

that the Arctic Council is an important forum for achieving the aims of “Inuit-The Arctic We Want” and that there

is a need to improve capacity to fully engage in the work of the Arctic Council at the Senior Arctic Officials (SAO) and Working

Group levels, including our insistence on equitable engagement in all activities and a meaningful leadership and decision

making role.

Mandate

ICC to initiate diplomatic talks for the purpose of laying the groundwork for negotiations to declare the Arctic

as a Peaceful Zone;

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

International Indigenous Human Rights

and International Partnerships

continued

8. Direct

ICC to follow the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals closely to ensure that our people

are informed about the progress and efforts made on these goals.

Encourage

ICC to enhance Inuit participation and capacity within the United Nations General

Assembly, relevant United Nations agencies and organizations, including but not limited to the

United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Maritime Organization (IMO),

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and to monitor implementation of the United Nations

2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Inuit Nunaat;

10.Direct

ICC to support and encourage the full implementation of the UN Declaration throughout

Inuit Nunaat as advocated by the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Outcome Document;

11.

Engage

in the UNPFII through active participation and be prepared to engage in new processes

within the UNPFII to further our goals and objectives;

12.

Support

the mandate of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) and to

defend the rights of the Inuit at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and expansion of

its mandate to engage with States and other Indigenous Peoples to assist them in addressing country-

specific situations, and be permitted to seek, receive, gather and consider information from all sources,

including specific cases and matters of concern for Inuit rights as affirmed in the UN Declaration;

13.

Mandate

ICC to strengthen its role within other international, multinational and bilateral fora including

the European Union (EU) and others by participating in meetings related to the Arctic;

14.Direct

ICC to prioritize and support our youth to participate in the United Nations Global Youth

Indigenous Caucus and other international meetings and conferences relevant and of importance

to Inuit;

15.Direct

ICC to advance the rights of Inuit in the United Nations Intergovernmental Conference that

will be negotiating an agreement for Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Brian Adams

Food Security

Inuit food security is multi-faceted and reflective of interconnecting elements, such as language, child development, mental and

physical health, high cost of transportation, economic development and management. The Arctic’s living resources and the ability

of our hunters to harvest and process these resources are fundamental to food security and is core to Inuit identity, making the health

and availability of Arctic wildlife of utmost concern. At the same time, access to store bought foods is also a concern that needs

to be addressed.

Recognizing that the health of our people is connected to the health of the animals and overall environment, climate-related changes

provide both opportunities and challenges that contribute to food security or insecurity. Changes, such as increasing temperatures,

changes in sea ice coverage and movement, thawing permafrost, increase in storm surges, shifts in animal migration patterns,

and arrival of new species is resulting in a need to adjust hunting strategies and ways of storing food. Furthermore, loss of multi-year

sea ice and thawing permafrost are leading to enhanced cycling of contaminants that may have adverse impacts throughout

the food web.

Achieving food security will require holistic approaches, Inuit innovation, and depends on the capacity to mobilize governments,

regional stakeholders and community residents to address the challenges faced and to move toward food sovereignty. To achieve

food sovereignty there is a need for Inuit to hold authority to manage our living resources.

The following actions are needed to support food security in Inuit Nunaat:

16.

Urge

ICC to continue its work to enhance food security through research and advocacy and further educate others, locally,

regionally, nationally and internationally, about Inuit food security priorities in order to ensure that we can supply ourselves

with traditional food;

17.Direct

ICC to address components of food security that will aid in enhancing self-governance across Inuit Nunaat, inclusive

of exploring ways of enhancing our networking capabilities, facilitating the exchange of information and practices across

Inuit Nunaat;

18.Direct

ICC to advocate for the enforcement of the International Maritime Organization Polar Code, other international

and national regulations, advance emergency response, and phase out heavy fuel oil (HFO) in order to minimize impacts

on marine mammals and fish and to prevent disruption of seasonal hunting, and for safety and environmental protection.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Families and Youth

Healthy Inuit families are central to the sustainability of our communities. Our families are changing and we recognize that the future

lies with our youth to achieve “Inuit - The Arctic We Want”. There are many strong families and youth that find pride, empowerment

and strength within our culture, language and identity. However, our families are facing many challenges and require culturally relevant

support based upon our cultural values, which are central to the sustainability of our families and communities. The most important

needs of families include poverty reduction, access to adequate housing, access to affordable energy, enhanced food security,

improved health and wellbeing, and educational attainment. Inuit, States and the international community must immediately address

these priorities within Inuit Nunaat.

The following actions are needed to support families and youth in Inuit Nunaat:

19.

Urge

ICC to support UN member States and international activities that recognize the relationship between family

and culture, which address the SDGs within Inuit Nunaat and that share best practices that support and strengthen Inuit families;

20.

Support

Inuit youth organizations and encourage Inuit youth to share and participate fully in all ICC activities;

21.

Advocate

for infrastructure and Inuit-specific interventions that will address family violence;

22.

Consider

the unique needs and challenges based on gender in Inuit communities.

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Photo: Tusaayaksat

Photo: Michael Conti

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Tusaayaksat

Photo: Kelly Eningowuk

Photo: Tusaayaksat

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Photo: Michael Conti

Photo: Brian Adams

Photo: Alex Whiting and Cyrus Harris

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Health and Wellness

Inuit health and wellness must be approached in a holistic way that recognizes that physical

and mental health cannot be addressed separately and solutions should build upon the

knowledge and strengths found within our communities. Children with mental health issues

require our special support and help as acknowledged by the United Nations Convention

on the Rights of the Child in Articles 19 and 39.

Inuit face significant health disparities today. We experience unacceptably high rates

of cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases including tuberculosis, sexually transmitted

infections and diseases, addiction, and suicide which have serious, negative impacts

on our families and our communities. The appropriate physical and mental health services,

including necessary clinical, financial and human resources, are inadequate or non-existent

in Inuit Nunaat.

In particular, the ongoing mental health crisis facing Inuit of all ages today is unacceptable

by any world standard. The elevated rate of suicide among Inuit is an urgent challenge.

A combination of community and evidence-based, globally informed and culturally specific

suicide prevention strategies and initiatives must be further developed and implemented

throughout Inuit Nunaat to address risk factors and reduce suicide.

To achieve health and wellness in our communities we must start by undertaking

the following:

23.Direct

ICC to host a Circumpolar Inuit Summit on Health and Wellness focusing

on efforts and initiatives to reduce and eradicate health disparities harming

our families and prioritizing mental wellness, addictions, and suicide prevention;

24.

Facilitate

and support the ongoing development and implementation of regional

and national evidence-based, suicide prevention strategies;

25.

Instruct

ICC to support knowledge sharing and communication of Inuit innovation

and best practices around mental health and wellness, including community-based

solutions and to continue to take leadership in projects and initiatives, specifically

on suicide prevention and addictions to encourage meaningful connection

with communities, children, and youth, and link Indigenous Knowledge and action

with scientific research;

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Photo: Michael Conti

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Education and Language

Our languages are the foundation of our culture and identity. Legally protecting and revitalizing our languages is urgent

and paramount. For our languages to remain strong, Inuit language schools and learning institutions need to be established

by the appropriate authorities.

The model of education introduced and utilized to this day has had limited success. Effective education requires new pedagogies

that reflect our values, culture and languages. For our language to remain strong the Inuit language must be the primary language

of instruction in our schools. In addition, Inuit language schools and learning institutions need to be established. Language

and education support our culture. Inuit hunting, gathering and food practices are a way in which our culture is taught. ICC affirms

that Indigenous traditional hunting should sustain and enhance our cultural practices.

The ICC Education Summit hosted by ICC Greenland, was the first-ever international Inuit organized summit on the state of Inuit

education. The Summit produced an outcome document that called for a number of essential actions.

ICC is called upon to:

26.

Support

an Inuit Education Committee with membership from all Inuit regions, to implement the recommendations

developed at the ICC 2018 Education Summit in Greenland, including:

a. Support the development and implementation of Inuit-focused educational initiatives, pedagogies, assessment

and evaluation practices, curricula, teaching materials and resources;

b. Effect systemic change to strengthen Inuit education grounded in our environment, including elder’s knowledge

and experience, history, language and culture;

c. Influence educational institutions and political bodies to support and fully fund development and implementation efforts;

d. Encourage ICC to share best practices to enhance Inuit language and writing systems;

e. Facilitate communication of Inuit educational best practices; and,

f. Support the University of the Arctic as it delivers higher educational services to Inuit and other institutions that support Inuit

students outside the Arctic and paves the way for student and researcher exchanges across the Arctic.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Indigenous Knowledge

Indigenous Knowledge is a systematic way of thinking applied to phenomena across biological,

physical, cultural and spiritual systems. It includes insights based on evidence acquired through

direct and long-term experiences and extensive and multigenerational observations, lessons,

and skills. It has developed over millennia and is still developing in a living process, including

knowledge acquired today and in the future, and it is passed on from generation to generation.

Consistent with this definition, it is recognized that Indigenous Knowledge is a way of life. It goes

beyond observations, ecological knowledge, and research, offering a unique ”way of knowing”.

Inuit have a right to self-determination in all facets of life, including in the promotion of Indigenous

Knowledge and research.

Photo: Michael Conti

Recognizing the work that ICC has done to advance the understanding and utilization of Indigenous

Knowledge, it is important to continue this work and furthermore focus on advocating for Inuit driven

research and monitoring, equitable partnerships in all aspects of research, information sovereignty,

and working to increase intellectual and political space for Inuit across scales.

The following is needed to advance self-determination and recognition of Indigenous Knowledge:

27.Direct

ICC to facilitate the development of International Inuit protocols on the equitable

and ethical utilization of Indigenous Knowledge and engagement of Inuit communities to provide

guidance to international fora, such as the Arctic Council;

28.

Instruct

ICC to engage appropriate international fora (e.g. Arctic Council, United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)) in all aspects of Arctic science and research

to contribute to the advancement of Inuit self-determination by promoting and contributing

to activities that achieve partnerships and reflects the utilization of both Indigenous Knowledge

and science;

29.Direct

ICC to continue to educate the international community on what Indigenous Knowledge

is and to work on creation of political and intellectual space for Indigenous Knowledge holders at

international fora by protecting the intellectual property rights of Indigenous Knowledge holders;

30.

Call

for an Inuit review of the consultation process of the Arctic Council that led to the Arctic

Science Cooperation Agreement, and all appropriate United Nations agencies to identify actions

to ensure these legal instruments adhere to the human rights affirmed in the UN Declaration.

Photo: Tukumminngiaq Nykjær Olsen

Photo: Eilene Adams

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Sustainable Wildlife Management

Sustainable wildlife management is an important element for achieving Inuit food security. Inuit have rights in national

and international agreements that protect Indigenous hunting and fishing activities. These human right instruments affirm

Inuit rights to self-determination, including our right to govern wildlife management. We have experienced international trade

bans and treaties that prevent us from exercising our rights to use Arctic living resources resulting in serious impacts on our culture,

health and economies. We will exchange information amongst ourselves to build capacity regarding human rights instruments

and apply them to co-management regimes and other governance bodies to advance our food sovereignty and self-governance

of land, wildlife and ecosystems.

Inuit strive to build on human rights instruments, including the UN Declaration, to assert and advance self-determination to protect

our rights to hunting, fishing, and gathering. The 2017 ICC Wildlife Management Summit hosted by ICC Canada concluded

that as we move forward collectively to achieve healthy and sustainable use of resources across Inuit Nunaat, we must continue

to share our unique knowledge and experiences with each other to advocate for the utilization and equity of Indigenous

Knowledge within wildlife management practices, and evaluate what approaches and practices best serve and support our rights

and self-determination on wildlife management issues.

The following actions are required to support sustainable wildlife management:

31.Direct

ICC to support the Circumpolar Inuit Wildlife Committee (CIWC) whose mission is to collaboratively, cooperatively

and inclusively preserve and protect Inuit food sovereignty by providing a unified Inuit voice led by a wildlife strategy for

2018-2022;

32.

Urge

ICC to support a Circumpolar Inuit Wildlife Network (CIWN) to link activities on various bi-lateral and international wildlife

activities including, but not limited to, the Arctic Council’s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Working Group,

the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and others,

and to support information sharing, learning and communication about Inuit rights, wildlife management and food sovereignty

within the Wildlife Network and with the Wildlife Committee;

33.Direct

ICC to participate collectively and strategically to ensure the CBD post-2020 action plans support and enhance

our monitoring and sustainable use of Arctic biodiversity and for CBD to support on-going participation of Inuit throughout

its working groups and intersessional meetings;

34.

Engage

in the process of formally establishing the IUCN Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) category that enhances

and nurtures current IPO participation and encourages and facilitates new membership;

35.

Collaboratively

identify opportunities for our collective engagement in the United Nations Convention on International Trade

in Endangered Species (CITES) Rural Communities to safeguard the distinct rights of Inuit as an Indigenous Peoples.

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Environment

Our environment continues to undergo profound, rapid and unpredictable change. Our communities witness and suffer

the effects of these changes and respond by sharing our knowledge, adapting our communities, working with researchers

and negotiating national, bilateral and international agreements to reduce or eliminate the causes of these changes where possible.

We know that the Arctic environment is unique and plays a fundamental role in global climate change regulation. Our culture is

dependent on the land and sea. Therefore, the sustainability of the Arctic environment and its living resources is crucial to our

communities and essential for supporting families and Inuit society. More than 40 years ago, concern for the security and integrity

of the Arctic environment prompted the establishment of ICC. ICC was the first non-governmental organization to call for the

precautionary principle and vocalized the human rights dimension of the implications and impacts

of a rapidly changing Arctic environment.

The following actions are required to protect Inuit Nunaat and guide academic institutions, governments, and researchers

in the conduct of the Inuit Nunaat research:

36.

Enhance

ICC’s work with Arctic research efforts, such as the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme

(AMAP) Working Group, Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON), International Arctic Science Committee (IASC),

the European Union (EU), and during high-level ministerial processes to ensure our views and concerns are addressed on how

research in the Arctic should be conducted and to highlight how ethical approaches for research in the Arctic advance Inuit self-

determination in research;

37.

Urge

ICC to promote the interconnectedness of drivers of change and the interrelated impacts and implications on our health,

economy and environment in high level political discussions and decision-making at fora such as the Arctic Council, the EU and

UN agencies among other relevant international fora;

38.

Mandate

ICC to participate actively in the operationalization of the United Nations “Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples

Platform” to create a space to share best practices, relevant climate change programs and policies, and build capacity for

Indigenous Peoples to engage in the UNFCCC process;

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Environment

continued

39.

Instruct

ICC to share research and actions that build climate resilience

and to share and showcase the adaptation and innovative mitigation

responses, including but not limited to monitoring the movement of

animals due to climate change, erosion and community relocation, that

are being designed and implemented by our communities across Inuit

Nunaat;

40.Direct

ICC to advocate its positions on contaminants through the

implementation and effectiveness monitoring regimes of the United

Nations Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs),

the United Nations Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee

(POPRoC) and the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury;

41.

Recognize

the importance of short lived climate forcers such as black

carbon and support work through programs such as the EU Action on

Black Carbon;

42.

Support

national and global programs that safeguard our marine

ecosystems and wildlife from marine litter and micro-plastics;

43.Direct

ICC to advocate for Inuit-led environmental monitoring and

management of Inuit Nunaat (marine and terrestrial) and adopt in

principle, the report,

People of the Ice Bridge: The Future of the

Pikialasorsuaq

, and establish a committee to advance the implementation

of the recommendations. These include creation of an Inuit Management

Authority, an Inuit-led monitoring regime, and increased mobility for

Inuit between Canada and Greenland, with the goal of supporting similar

authorities across Inuit Nunaat. These initiatives should be undertaken

with an objective of improving the self-sufficiency of Inuit over time with

the overall objective of aligning economic development and our cultural

way of life.

Photo: Mary Peltola

Photo: Brian Adams

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Sustainable Development

Our economy is changing rapidly with growing international interest in marine shipping, commercial fisheries, tourism and natural

resource development. Economic development is central to the sustainability of Inuit communities. As noted in the 2011 ICC

Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat, healthy communities and households require

a healthy environment and a healthy economy. We know economic development and social and cultural development must go

hand-in-hand, resulting in self-sufficiency, which is an essential part of greater political self-determination.

We recognize that employment and wealth creation are building blocks for autonomy and that equitable, sustainable economic

development and employment must be a priority. Building capacity is a key to success and a foundation for economic vitality.

Strategic issues in the employment sector are at a critical state which will require a long-term, sustained and well-funded employment

training effort that must link with coordinated efforts with the education system, the employment and training system, and employers.

We are part of a connected world and connectivity or broadband, is crucial to provide societal benefits (e.g. health care, public

safety, education, training, business and social services). The Arctic poses extreme challenges to connectivity and overcoming these

challenges requires political will and infrastructure.

The 2014 Kitigaaryuit Declaration called for the ICC Economic Summit. The 2017 ICC Economic Summit hosted by ICC Alaska

was tasked to cultivate collaboration among Inuit businesses internationally. The Summit established the International Inuit Business

Council (IIBC) to promote business collaboration among Inuit across the circumpolar region and established a Task Force to develop

Terms of Reference for an International Inuit Business Association. These Terms of Reference and a Report are now ready for further

consideration and implementation by the Inuit business community.

Photo: ICC Canada

Photo: Michael Conti

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Photo: ICC Canada

Photo: Brian Adams

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Sustainable Development

continued

The following actions are required to achieve these goals:

44.Direct

ICC to advocate for policies that facilitate cross-boundary Inuit trade, employment, and travel, across our circumpolar

homeland;

45.

Urge

ICC to promote sustainable economic and business development through the Arctic Council and its working groups,

the United Nations agencies, and collaborate with other economic development fora and networks focusing on the Arctic,

including the Arctic Economic Council (AEC);

46.

Instruct

ICC to advocate for high-capacity broadband internet, share best practices and engage in international discussions

on broadband development in Inuit Nunaat;

47.

Urge

the use of the internet to increase availability of Inuit language programming through television, radio, and other platforms,

as well as the connectivity of residents in Inuit communities;

48.Direct

ICC to support responsible mining policies that reflect the 2011 ICC Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource

Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat;

49.

Urge

ICC to compile Arctic tourism best practices, and develop an ICC Statement on Tourism to help guide tourism initiatives;

50.

Utilize

Indigenous Knowledge to advise all future processes of the Central Arctic Ocean Moratorium on Commercial Fisheries;

51.

Instruct

ICC to explore and pursue potential for mapping and other visual aids related to Inuit sea ice and coastal sea use and

the multiple dimensions of such use of our Arctic homelands and territory;

52.Direct

ICC to advocate for our rights to fresh water;

53.

Urge

ICC to advance within the Arctic Council an agenda to address a crisis of public infrastructure in Inuit Nunaat including

energy, roads, housing, sewer and water, and to promote investment in climate resilient infrastructure;

54.

Acknowledge

the Terms of Reference prepared by the Task Force on an International Inuit Business Association and urge

ICC to support the formation of an International Association for Inuit Businesses.

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Communication and Capacity Building

Inuit are more connected today than ever before due to the advent of the internet

and social media. However, practical measures should be taken that enhance

communications with and between Inuit that in turn foster greater cooperation and

unity. Improving access to information about ICC and its work is necessary to enhance

the impact and effectiveness of ICC as an organization, including at the local, regional,

national, and international levels.

Achieving greater cooperation and unity among Inuit remains a priority.

ICC is uniquely positioned to facilitate formal opportunities for academic, professional,

political, and cultural exchange between our membership.

In order to build on our past achievements in these areas, enhanced communication

is required to promote understanding of Inuit priorities and activities among our

membership as well as more broadly at the national and international levels. This can

be achieved by facilitating access to information about ICC activities in a timely manner,

creating greater transparency and understanding of ICC’s governance structure and

priorities, as well as by coordinating communications with and between Inuit regions

and their respective media. In addition, ICC will pursue novel initiatives that foster

greater social, cultural, and political exchange between Inuit regions in order to enrich

Inuit cooperation and unity.

The following actions are required to achieve these goals:

55.Develop

a comprehensive four-year communications strategy and action plan

by January 2019 that includes practical measures for achieving greater cooperation

and unity among Inuit;

56.

Facilitate

a formal program of professional exchange through exchange of Inuit

professionals between member countries;

57.Develop

greater awareness and understanding among our people about

ICC’s participation in international fora and the connection to our communities;

Photo: Brian Adams

58.

Support

communities who are working to reclaim formal recognition of their original

place names.

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The Chair and Executive Council of the Inuit Circumpolar Council hereby confirm that the 2018 Utqiaġvik Declaration

was unanimously adopted by delegates at the 13th General Assembly of the Inuit Circumpolar Council on 19 July 2018.

Okalik Eegeesiak

ICC Chair

Nancy Karetak-Lindell

Vice-Chair, Canada

Hjalmar Dahl

Vice-Chair, Greenland

Herb Nakimayak

Executive Council Member, Canada

Tatiana Achirgina

Vice-Chair, Russia

James Stotts

Vice-Chair, Alaska

Nuka Kleemann

Executive Council Member, Greenland

Vera Metcalf

Executive Council Member, Alaska

Elena Kaminskaya

Executive Council Member, Russia

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ICC Executive Council

For the term of 2018–2022,

ICC Executive Council

members are:

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

Dalee Sambo Dorough

Chair

Monica Ell-Kanayuk

Vice-Chair (Canada)

Lisa Koperqualuk

Member (Canada)

Liubov Taian

Vice-Chair (Chukotka)

Elena Kaminskaya

Member (Chukotka)

Hjalmar Dahl

ICC Vice-Chair (Greenland)

Nuka Kleemann

Member (Greenland)

James Stotts

Vice-Chair (Alaska)

Vera Metcalf

Member (Alaska)

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

GRU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 33: Materiale om ICC’s arktiske politik og strategi

Office Contacts

Alaska Office

3900 Arctic Blvd. Suite 203

Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Phone: (907) 274-9058

Fax: (907) 274-3861

Email: [email protected]

www.iccalaska.org

Canada Office

75 Albert Street, Suite 1001

Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5E7

Phone: (613) 563-2642

Fax: (613) 565-3089

E-mail: [email protected]

www.inuitcircumpolar.com

Greenland Office

Ceresvej 7 St.

P.O. Box 204

DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland

Phone: +299 32 36 32

Fax: +299 32 30 01

E-mail: [email protected]

www.inuit.org

Chukotka Office

40 Otke Street, Apt 36

Anadyr, Chukotka 689000, Russia

Phone: +7 914-080-82-13

Photo: Jacki Cleveland

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Photo: Jacki Cleveland