Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) - Linda Jabs

Established in 1977, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC)^[1] is an international non-government organization that is one of six Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council.  The ICC represents approximately 150,000 Inuit living in settlements and homelands in Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Chukotka (Russia) that are jointly referred to as the Inuit Nunaat.^[2] Through the ICC, the Inuit have come together to speak with one voice on common issues and to actively assert their rights as policy-makers and decision-makers affecting the Inuit Nunaat,^[3] particularly those decisions regarding resource development.^[4]  The Charter and By-laws of the ICC set out the composition of the ICC, which consists of a general assembly that is to meet at least once every 4 years and an Executive Council that ensures the operation of the ICC between meetings of the General Assembly.^[5]

For millennia the Inuit have endured in Inuit Nunaat and have adapted to changes and challenges in order to ensure the health and well-being of their communities. The movement of the sea and sea ice are integral components of that adaptation, therefore any action or intervention that affects the sea and the land must protect the environment and wildlife so that they can continue to endure for millennia to come.^[6] The Inuit do not make distinctions between the land and the sea and their definition is “Land is anywhere our feet, dog teams, or snowmobiles can take us.”^[7]

The pace of change in Inuit Nunaat is coming at a rapid rate and is being driven primarily by changes in the Arctic environment. While there are acknowledged opportunities for economic growth in shipping, resource extraction and tourism in the Arctic and for the Inuit, there are also consequences for the environment and the Inuit way of life.^[8] For the Inuit, it is imperative that a balance be struck between both renewable and non-renewable resources and the economic, social and cultural benefits that can be derived from both categories of resources while at the same time forestalling environmental degradation.^[9]

There are two defining ICC Declarations that each set out the principles under which the ICC will operate and conduct business with the Arctic States and international parties.  The first is the “Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Sovereignty In The Arctic”^[10] ratified in April 2009, which sets out the foundations for action by the Inuit and the Arctic States to chart the future of the Arctic.  The second is the “Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat,”^[11] passed in May 2011, which sets out the principles under which the governance, management, development or use of resources will occur in the Arctic.  Both Declarations use strong and prescriptive language as to the approach and expectations of the Inuit with respect to engagement on issues.

The ICC Declaration on Resource Development Principles is the definitive document outlining resource development in Inuit Nunaat regardless of whether or not the resource development involves renewable resources, which are the historical basis for the Inuit culture and future generations, or non-renewable resources which are seen as a means to enhance the living and social conditions of the Inuit. ^[12] There currently does not seem to be any distinction made between resource development, tourism or shipping by the ICC.

Any and all interactions must be conducted with openness and transparency and respect the rights of the Inuit as grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resource development must also be grounded in the Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Sovereignty in the Arctic and include the Inuit as active and equal partners in developing policies and decision-making that affect Inuit Nunaat. An integral component of this partnership must be the active inclusion and engagement of the local communities that will be impacted by the resource development.

Any resource development must contribute to rather than detract from any regional, national or international initiatives to curb greenhouse emissions and must not exacerbate any climate change-related stresses on the survival of Arctic wildlife. Human needs must be at the centre of any resource development and must promote the physical and mental health of Inuit communities and individuals as well as Inuit food security. Resource development must sustainably service the needs of the Inuit today and demonstrate support for affected communities without compromising the ability of the Inuit to meet the needs of tomorrow.  Land use planning, management and impact assessments must consider the cumulative impacts of current and proposed future projects and where prudent, limit the number and scope of projects.

Active monitoring of vessel traffic and specific plans regarding any oil spill cleanup and containment must be based on the highest technological standards and practices currently available.  Minimum standards will respect the Arctic Council’s “Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines.”

Inuit also expect that any resource development will result in an improvement in their material well-being and be well-rooted in any international indigenous and human rights laws. Any projects must be planned and implemented in such a way that they support and enhance rather than overwhelm Inuit culture.  The Inuit will also be given opportunity to learn and develop the technological skills and training and business management that are needed by the Inuit. 

Going forward, some of the critical factors under consideration by the ICC are contained in the Kitigaaryit Declaration,^[13] which was ratified at the General Assembly held in Inuvik July 21-24, 2014, continue to be resource development, the ongoing priority of Inuit health and well-being, and on-going efforts to include Inuit in all bilateral and multilateral meetings of importance to the Inuit.