DeskIndigenousDuring Finland's 2017‑2019 Arctic Council chairmanship, the SDWG launched two education projects—one for nomadic preschoolers and one for teacher training—to promote culturally relevant learning and empower Arctic communities.
Gunn‑Britt Retter, head of the Saami Council’s Arctic and Environment Unit, discusses how the Council’s Permanent Participants now enjoy a central role at Ministerial meetings, reflecting growing indigenous influence on Arctic governance.
The Arctic Council announced new initiatives to deepen youth engagement, including a proposed youth coordinator role, following the first Arctic Leaders’ Youth Summit in Rovaniemi.
Sámi youth in northern Finland oppose a proposed Arctic rail line.
A $30 million Álgu Fund has been set up by the Arctic Council to support indigenous peoples, marking a new era of participation in Arctic governance.
The Arctic Economic Council unanimously approved the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation as its first Northern Partner, marking a significant policy step in Arctic governance.
