Indigenous Arctic

The Indigenous Arctic encompasses a wide spread of cultures and peoples, including the Inuit, Sami, Chukchi, and Aleut, as well as many other groups with deep historical ties to the northern regions of North America, Scandinavia, Greenland, and Russia. For thousands of years, Indigenous Arctic communities have developed unique ways of life suitable to one of the harshest environments on Earth. Their cultural practices—such as hunting, fishing, reindeer herding, crafting, and oral storytelling—reflect a profound relationship with the land and sea.

In the early 20th century, colonizing governments imposed policies that aimed to assimilate Arctic Indigenous peoples, which led to losses in language and culture. The lasting impacts of these policies remain significant as challenges to Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation.

There are various issues that Indigenous Arctic communities continue to face today. 

The struggle to retain Indigenous identities and practices is ongoing and often clashes with external pressures from modernization and globalization.

Legal battles over land ownership, resource extraction, and self-governance ensue. 

Rising temperatures and melting sea ice disrupt hunting, fishing, and herding activities and challenge food security and traditional ways of life. 

Higher rates of mental health concerns, substance abuse, and diseases afflict Indigenous Arctic populations compared to the general population. 

Balancing potential economic opportunities with the long-term sustainability of land and Arctic culture continues to be a challenging goal. 

Yet Arctic Indigenous communities demonstrate remarkable resilience. 

Many are increasingly involved in national and international advocacy, working to influence policies affecting their rights and the preservation of their homelands. The Arctic Council, for instance, includes Indigenous representation, and it serves as an important platform for discussing climate and social issues. Global interest in the Arctic also brings greater attention to Indigenous perspectives, which offers opportunities for partnerships focused on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

In this guide you will find resources to help instigate your dive into Indigenous Arctic rights, environmental advocacy, and/or cultural studies. It is my hope that these resources can provide a starting point for your investigation of the unique landscape of the Arctic.