Sustainable Arctic Communities: a working conference by and for Alaska Native peoples.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: Alaska Native Corporation Review - Conference news

As the world's attention is increasingly focused on the Arctic for its energy resources, international and strategic value as well as the world's climate change research laboratory, many continue to dismiss, ignore or overlook the status, rights and conditions of Arctic Indigenous peoples. In this regard, the world community, consistent with the human rights standards embraced by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, must recognize and respect the fact that Alaska Native peoples are poised to play a critical leadership role in the future of Arctic policy. However, in order for Alaska Native peoples to make the most of this central role, more must be done to ensure the sustainability of Arctic communities.

The dramatic changes occurring in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions have drawn increasing attention from the scientific, military, environmental and economic interests. To date, a wealth of governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations are undertaking related activities. However, no single indigenous-specific gathering has been undertaken outside of the General Assembly gatherings of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. In this regard, a number of Alaska Native representatives have been discussing the need to bring a diverse range of individuals together to substantively address how Arctic Indigenous peoples can effectively create Sustainable Arctic Communities. Essentially, we are interested in defining, by and for ourselves, the key challenges to ensuring the distinct economic, social, and cultural integrity of communities and specific responses to overcome such challenges.

Conference Focus

To begin this dialogue a working conference that brings key individuals together to focus upon the areas of food security; health; economic development; and energy within Northern communities is planned. Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals directly engaged in and concerned about Arctic issues as well as those that have developed cutting edge or innovative and creative ways will be invited to address these matters. At this initial stage, primary emphasis will be to identify individuals within rural Alaska Native communities striving to address the concerns of:

* Maintaining traditional economies of hunting, fishing, trapping, bartering, and other harvesting rights yet balancing them with outside economic forces to ensure food security

* Utilizing effective ways and means to address the mental and...