Identity keeps us unique Inuit Circumpolar Council Assembly hears

The Inuit Circumpolar Council’s General Assembly is underway in Iqaluit bringing Inuit leaders from across the Arctic together for four days of meetings and cultural events. The assembly comes just one year before the organization marks its 50th anniversary in 2027. Delegates from Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Chukotka are gathering to discuss issues facing Inuit communities across Inuit Nunaat. The opening ceremonies began with a qulliq lighting ceremony, opening prayers, and welcoming remarks from ICC Chair Sara Olsvig, Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Ava, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Gloria Uluqsi. “What will our generation be remembered for?” Uluqsi asked during her remarks. “I believe this is one of the questions facing us this week. The world is paying more attention to the arctic, our homeland, than ever before.” As geopolitical interest in the Arctic intensifies and the impacts of climate change accelerate, Inuit leaders have said it is crucial that Nunavut voices guide Canada’s sovereignty agenda. A recorded address from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was also presented during the opening ceremony Throughout the week delegates will hear reports from each region and take part in discussions on Indigenous rights, Arctic security, food security, economic development, health, and Inuit languages. The General Assembly is held every four years and 66 voting delegates along with hundreds of observers and guests have travelled to Iqaluit to take part. “Our borders may divide us our governments may divide us but our identity, that identity that I spoke of is what keeps us unique and one people,” said Josiah Patkotak, a delegate from Alaska. “And I think one of the things that we learned was that no matter what comes from the rest of the world that that unity cannot be improvised.” Before the general assembly comes to a close on Saturday, delegates are expected to approve a new declaration that will guide the organization’s work over the next four years. They will also elect a new chair as leadership of the Inuit Circumpolar Council rotates from Greenland to Canada Continue Reading