Indigenous Peoples participation must remain central under the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council Chairship
Photo: Saami Council
As the Kingdom of Denmark assumes the Arctic Council Chairship, the Saami Council emphasizes the importance of keeping Indigenous Peoples’ rights, knowledge, and priorities at the core of Arctic cooperation.
At the 14th meeting of the Arctic Council, the Kingdom of Denmark (representing Kalaallit Nunaat, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark) formally assumes the two-year Chairship. The Saami Council extends its congratulations and recognition of Norway’s steady leadership during a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty.
“The Norwegian Chairship managed to keep Arctic cooperation afloat in a difficult time. It demonstrated that even in the face of major geopolitical tensions, collaboration in the Arctic is possible when the focus is on people, nature, and shared challenges.”
Per-Olof Nutti. Photo: Saami Council/Per-Henning Mathisen
We are pleased that both our collective and individual rights as Indigenous Peoples are recognised by all eight Arctic states in the joint statement; however, we would have preferred a strong commitment through an explicit reference to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In responding to the dramatic environmental changes facing the Arctic region, the Saami Council views UNDRIP as a vital safety net, and we are therefore disappointed that the Romssa – Tromsø Declaration fails to include any mention of it.
With Kalaallit Nunaat steering the incoming Chairship, the Saami Council sees a valuable opportunity to place Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives more firmly at the center of Arctic Council priorities. This includes climate change, environmental protection, public and mental health, and sustainable development—areas the Saami Council will continue to follow closely.
“We welcome a Greenland-led Chairship and trust it to be firmly grounded in the experiences and leadership of Indigenous Peoples. It is time for stronger inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and rights in all Arctic Council activities,” Nutti says.
The Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship Programme highlights youth, Indigenous Peoples, sustainable economies, and resilience in Arctic communities. The Saami Council welcomes these priorities and urges particular attention to the intersection of climate change and health of Indigenous Peoples, both physical and mental
The Saami Council has proposed a joint Indigenous-led Arctic conference focused on health, to be organized in cooperation with the Permanent Participants during the new Chairship period. Nutti concludes,
“Healthy people and a thriving environment are the foundation for community resilience in the Arctic. We look forward to constructive cooperation with the new Chairship to ensure these priorities are promoted.”