Indigenous

The Arctic Remote Energy Networks Academy has launched its second round, connecting Indigenous and community energy leaders across the Arctic with training, site visits, and virtual sessions to advance clean energy projects while navigating pandemic restrictions.

The article discusses how the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted transport, health measures, and social cohesion across Aleut, Athabaskan, Inuit, Russian Arctic and Saami Indigenous communities, stressing the fragility of Arctic governance.

Miners seeking battery metals are threatening the Sámi reindeer herders’ homeland.

Arctic Council senior officials convened virtually to assess COVID‑19 impacts on Arctic communities and agreed on actions to strengthen health and infrastructure resilience.

The Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group promotes a One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental wellbeing, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge to address climate‑driven health risks.

The Arctic Council and the International Arctic Science Committee have outlined a roadmap—ROADS—to strengthen pan‑Arctic observing, emphasizing Indigenous participation and integrated data for climate and policy needs.

A 2019 Arctic Council workshop produced a report and recommendations that are shaping the Arctic Regional Action Plan on marine litter, with monitoring, community engagement, and industry outreach underway.

The Saami Council President, Christina Henriksen, explains how COVID-19 restrictions impact Sámi cross‑border travel, reindeer herding, and healthcare access, underscoring the need for tailored support for Arctic indigenous communities.

Greenland faces COVID‑19 challenges due to limited local testing, few healthcare resources, and high vulnerability from past outbreaks, making containment crucial for Arctic communities.

The Arctic is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, with Gwich'in communities in Alaska urging Arctic Council states to collaborate on fire monitoring, emergency response, and community planning.

CAFF’s first circumpolar assessment shows warming and development threaten Arctic freshwater species such as Arctic char and ecosystem services like fish and drinking water, urging improved monitoring.

Finland’s Ministry of Environment hosted a workshop in Ivalo to integrate Saami perspectives into Arctic environmental impact assessments, emphasizing early engagement, traditional knowledge inclusion, and respect for indigenous livelihoods amid climate-driven industry expansion.

A COP25 side event highlighted the swift rise of Arctic ocean acidification, its ecological and cultural impacts, and called for urgent action.

Sweden chaired the Arctic Council (2011‑2013), prioritizing climate change, oil emission prevention, indigenous rights, and sustainable economic development, with a key SAO meeting in Luleå.

The first SAO meeting under Swedish chairmanship, held at Luleå Technical University in November 2019, welcomed 160 participants and approved the Arctic Resilience Report and four new Sustainable Development Working Group projects.

Arctic Council launched the Indigenous Peoples Contaminant Action Program to reduce contaminant exposure in Arctic indigenous communities, holding its first meeting in Luleå, Sweden, with key indigenous and state actors and setting project priorities.

The SDWG met in Gällivare, Sweden, in February 2019 to discuss Sámi community issues, visit the Malmberget mine, and endorse projects such as AMATII and an Inuit response to AMSA, influencing Arctic policy and community outcomes.

The Arctic Council's second Senior Arctic Officials meeting in Stockholm approved key projects including AMATII and established a future secretariat in Tromsø, strengthening Arctic governance and sustainable development.

Arctic Council experts met in Gothenburg to refine principles of ecosystem‑based management, discuss barriers and share scientific assessments, laying groundwork for upcoming ministerial guidance.

A 2012 CAFF workshop in Stockholm gathered 30 delegates from Arctic states and indigenous groups to shape policy recommendations for the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment, highlighting climate‑driven shifts.

The Swedish SAO meeting elected Magnús Jóhannesson as director of the new Arctic Council Secretariat in Tromsø, Norway, released a statement suspending Russian indigenous organization RAIPON, and set key priorities for the Swedish chairmanship.

AMAP released the first comprehensive assessment of Arctic Ocean acidification, noting rapid CO2 uptake, ecosystem vulnerability, and potential effects on fisheries and indigenous resources.

Arctic Council ministers approved the 24‑recommendation Arctic Ocean Review, prioritizing Indigenous participation, ecosystem‑based management, and marine science to guide responsible stewardship of Arctic marine waters.

The Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) has removed nearly 7,000 tonnes of obsolete pesticides from old storage in 13 Russian regions, highlighting ongoing efforts to safeguard Arctic health and environment.

Canada’s 2013‑2015 Arctic Council chairmanship, led by Minister Aglukkaq, prioritized responsible resource development, safe shipping, indigenous knowledge integration, and climate action.