The 15th Inuit Circumpolar Council general assembly commenced in Iqaluit with the traditional lighting of the qulliq and a ceremonial song. After eight years, this marks the first in-person gathering following the virtual 2022 meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable delegates, such as Gunn-Britt Retter from the Saami council, traveled long distances to attend, with Retter arriving in Iqaluit after a 12-day journey from Nuuk.
Additionally, four delegates from the Chukotka region in eastern Russia are present at the assembly. Outgoing ICC chair Sara Olsvig emphasized the global significance of this assembly, noting the growing interest in the Arctic, especially in light of recent events such as President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.
Olsvig stressed the importance of Inuit setting their own agenda in the face of heightened Arctic interest, highlighting the need for unity among Inuit communities. The opening ceremony underscored a message of unity, with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president Gloria Uluqsi emphasizing the importance of listening and learning from each other. Newly-elected ICC Canada president Herb Nakimayak echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of face-to-face meetings for knowledge sharing and unity among Inuit.
Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa also emphasized the strength of Inuit collaboration in the midst of changing Arctic dynamics. The general assembly’s agenda includes discussions on Indigenous rights, as well as peace and security, in its first two sessions starting on Thursday.