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Arctic Circle

Mission Council on Global - Arctic Indigenous Dialogue

The Arctic has one of the largest indigenous populations in the world, as approximately 500.000 of its 4 million inhabitants belong to an estimate of 40 different indigenous groups. The affairs of the indigenous peoples have therefore, from the beginning, been among the defining themes of Arctic Circle. The issues are of global relevance and impact and participation of representatives of the indigenous communities has been an important part of both Plenary Sessions and other Sessions at Arctic Circle Assemblies and Forums. The importance of dialogue between indigenous peoples in the north and the south was first brought to the Arctic Circle Assembly in 2017 by Conservation International. The issue was raised that in today's world there are many common realities that indigenous communities are facing around the globe. Victories as well as challenges. Connecting with different communities, sharing experiences and stories, finding common ground and support is both helpful and empowering.

The Mission Council on Global Arctic Indigenous Dialogue was launched in May 2021. Its members aim to deepen awareness of indigenous issues, opportunities and challenges and facilitate dialogue between Indigenous Peoples from around the globe. The members have in their professional capacities been particularly engaged in Indigenous matters and will continue through the Mission Council to establish the Global Arctic Indigenous Dialogue.

The Mission

Memorandum by the Arctic Circle Secretariat. Published on May 26th 2021, marking the launch of the Mission Council

Members

President and CEO of Nia Tero
Director, Dene Ts’ı̨ lı̨ Dahk’ǝ́ (Department for Language, Culture, & Spirituality), Great Bear Lake, Canada
Environmental Activist and Geographer; Coordinator of the Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad (AFPAT); Co-director of the Pavilion of the World Indigenous Peoples' Initiative and Pavilion at COP21, 22 and 23.
Visiting Professor, Simon Fraser University Public Policy School; former Yukon Premier
Greenlandic Commissioner, Pikialasorsuaq Commission, former Premier of Greenland
Head of Arctic and Environmental Unit of the Saami Council
Deputy Minister for the Development of the Arctic and Northern Affairs of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Russian Chairmanship’s Special Envoy for Indigenous and Regional Cooperation in the Arctic Council. During the 2021 Russian Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, Mr. Pogodaev was appointed Special Envoy for Indigenous and Regional Cooperation.
Former UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples Rights, Founder of Tebtebba Foundation

In Memory of Sue Taei

Sue Taei was a pioneer in linking the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific and the Arctic. Her vision was to bring forth the natural bond between people of the land and oceans and facilitate a much needed dialogue between Indigenous Peoples of the world. She was instrumental in forming what now is the Arctic Circle Mission Council on Global Indigenous Dialogue. Sue passed away in 2020 and leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of empowerment and friendship for Indigenous Peoples everywhere.

Sessions with Mission Council Members

Global Arctic Indigenous Dialogue at the 2021 Arctic Circle Assembly

Global Arctic Indigenous Dialogue at the 2019 Arctic Circle Assembly

Mission Councils of Arctic Circle at the 2021 Arctic Circle Assembly

Global Arctic Indigenous Dialogue at the 2018 Arctic Circle Assembly

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