The 15th Inuit Circumpolar Council general assembly commenced in Iqaluit with the traditional lighting of the qulliq and a ceremonial song. This assembly marks the first in-person gathering in eight years, following the virtual meeting held in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several delegates, such as Gunn-Britt Retter from the Saami council, made significant journeys to attend the assembly. Retter shared her 12-day voyage from Nuuk to Iqaluit, arriving just in time for the opening ceremony. Notably, four delegates from the Chukotka region in eastern Russia also made the long trip to participate in the meeting.
Outgoing ICC chair Sara Olsvig emphasized the global significance of this assembly, coinciding with a heightened interest in the Arctic, particularly sparked by the international attention on President Donald Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland.
Olsvig stressed the importance of Inuit taking the lead in shaping the agenda within their territories, cautioning that the increased focus on the Arctic poses potential risks. However, she expressed optimism, citing the unity among Inuit as a source of hope and strength in navigating these challenges.
The opening ceremony underscored the theme of unity, with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president Gloria Uluqsi highlighting the value of mutual learning and understanding among attendees from different regions. Newly-elected ICC Canada president Herb Nakimayak echoed the call for unity and stressed the significance of face-to-face interactions in sharing knowledge and fostering solidarity within the Inuit community.
Mayor Solomon Awa of Iqaluit emphasized the importance of collaboration among Inuit, especially in the face of changing Arctic conditions and increased external interest in the region. The upcoming sessions of the general assembly will focus on Indigenous rights, as well as peace and security, reflecting the pressing issues at hand.