The 15th Inuit Circumpolar Council general assembly commenced in Iqaluit with the traditional lighting of the qulliq and a ceremonial song. This marks the first in-person assembly in eight years, following the virtual 2022 meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delegates from various regions traveled long distances to attend the assembly, including Gunn-Britt Retter from the Saami council, who arrived in Iqaluit after a 12-day journey from Nuuk by ship. Notably, four delegates from the Chukotka region in eastern Russia also made the trip to participate in the meeting.
Sara Olsvig, the outgoing ICC chair, emphasized the global significance of this assembly, noting the heightened interest in the Arctic, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding Greenland’s potential annexation.
Olsvig stressed the importance of Inuit taking the lead in setting the agenda for their homelands amidst the renewed Arctic focus, citing potential risks associated with external interests. However, she expressed optimism, highlighting the unity among Inuit as a source of hope.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president Gloria Uluqsi underscored the theme of unity at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration among Inuit from different regions. Newly-elected ICC Canada president Herb Nakimayak echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of face-to-face meetings for knowledge exchange and unity among Inuit communities.
Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa emphasized the strength of Inuit collaboration in the face of Arctic changes and external scrutiny. The assembly’s agenda includes discussions on Indigenous rights, peace, and security in the upcoming sessions starting on Thursday.
