Northern Nourishment: “The Inuit Circumpolar Council’s Political Universe”

 

As a non-governmental organization (NGO) and Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (IPO), the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) holds a vital role as the primary body internationally representing the 180,000 Inuit and Yupik people living in Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Chukotla Russia. The ICC plays a central role in advocating, empowering, and amplifying the voices of Inuit communities. This year, our committee focuses on the critical issues of food rights and conservation in Inuit Nunaat. In this area, food security remains extremely vulnerable, despite being a fundamental human right.

The enduring legacy of colonialism continues to impact Indigenous communities across different countries, perpetuating historical injustices and disrupting traditional ways of life. These injustices contribute significantly to the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples, which manifests itself in different forms, including the continuous challenge of food insecurity. Within the region of Inuit Nunaat, the struggle for food is intensified due to unique economic, environmental, and cultural factors, such as transportation issues, high import costs, geographic isolation, harsh climates, and governmental neglect.

Our task in this committee is to address these detrimental issues with innovative, sustainable, and most importantly, culturally sensitive solutions. Delegates will embody various Inuit council members from Alaska, Canada, Chukotla Russia, and Greenland, alongside other ICC representatives and political actors. Throughout the conference, delegates will delve into the multifaceted challenges in Inuit Nunaak. First, they will explore different transportation challenges, hindering food accessibility and affordability in the region. Moreover, they will also examine the importance of sustainably utilizing natural resources to ensure and conserve Indigenous food security. Lastly, they will also address the impacts of climate change, particularly the effects of pollution, and forge policies to protect the Arctic environment.

The Dais is excited to meet you all! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

The Dais

 

Anh Le

Chair

Fiorella Luz Medina Scarone

vice chair