Territory Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Chukotka
Indigenous Peoples Inuit
Indigenous Population 180,000
Languages Numerous dialects of the Inuit language, English, Danish, Russian
To thrive in their circumpolar homeland, Inuit realized they must speak with a united voice on issues of common concern and combine their energies and talents towards protecting and promoting their way of life. ICC’s principle goals are to:
ICC has held Consultative Status II at the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 1983 and is active within the United Nations and its various subsidiary bodies. ICC consults regularly with the United Nations on a broad range of issues concerning the Arctic and Indigenous human rights.
Historically, Inuit were hunter/gatherers living a nomadic life in the Arctic following the game and the seasons. Inuit now live in widely dispersed communities throughout a vast area of the Arctic in North America, Greenland and the Russian Federation. Today, Inuit are an integral part of modern society, actively engaged within the global community.
ICC was actively involved in the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy, which later became the Arctic Council in 1996. ICC is one of the original Permanent Participants under the Arctic Council structure. ICC focuses great effort within the Arctic Council and is active in its various Working Groups, Task Forces and individual projects. ICC also participates in the Senior Arctic Officials meetings and Ministerial meetings. ICC considers the Arctic Council to be the premier international forum dealing with Arctic policy issues today.
Sara Olsvig Chair, Head of Delegation to the Arctic Council Email
Kuluk R. Lyberth Staff Contact Email
ICC Alaska
Marie Greene ICC Vice Chair – Alaska
Kelly Eningowuk Staff Contact Email
ICC Canada
Lisa Koperqualuk ICC Vice Chair – Canada
Carole Simon Staff contact Email
ICC Greenland
Hjalmar Dahl ICC Vice Chair – Greenland Email
ICC Chukotka Valentina Leonova ICC Vice Chair – Chukotka
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