Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic Council: A Unique Feature?

Abstract

The website of the Arctic Council rather proudly refers to the designation of Indigenous peoples as ‘permanent participants’ in the Council’s work as a unique feature, but some Indigenous leaders are less than fully satisfied. In this article it is argued that this arrangement in significant ways falls behind the role of Indigenous peoples in the United Nations, in particular its human rights and environment programs. Drawing on this comparison, the article concludes with placing a few suggestions before the Arctic Council.