Arctic Indigenous Voices
Arctic Indigenous Voices
Ensuring the leadership of impacted communities is honored at the global level
The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world. As sea ice melts, new shipping routes are opening up — and global powers are rushing to use them.
More ships in the Arctic could mean more pollution, faster sea ice loss, and greater disruption to fragile marine ecosystems. It also threatens Arctic food security and the cultures, livelihoods, and well-being of Indigenous communities who have long cared for and depended on these lands and waters.
Indigenous peoples have too often been left out of decisions that affect their communities and homelands. As shipping increases, we need strong standards that protect the Arctic and respect the knowledge, rights, and leadership of Arctic Indigenous communities.
Here are some of the threats shipping poses to Arctic communities and wildlife:
- Underwater noise pollution from ship machinery and propellers
- Increased risk of oil spills from oil tankers
- Vessel strikes to whales and other marine wildlife
- Greenhouse gas & black carbon emissions (exhaust from shipping vessels)
- Sewage and greywater discharge
- Invasive species
- Scrubber discharges
Media
International Maritime Organization
Shipping issues are discussed by governments around the world. But the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, sets global rules for shipping.
Arctic Indigenous communities have long brought important knowledge and expertise to these discussions. But until recently, no Indigenous organizations had permanent observer status at the IMO.
The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) became the first Indigenous organization to gain permanent consultative status at the IMO. The ICC represents more than 180,000 Inuit across Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka, Russia.
This gives Inuit leaders a direct voice in decisions about Arctic shipping and a stronger ability to protect their communities, lands, and waters. When Indigenous communities lead these efforts, the benefits extend to people, wildlife, and the entire Arctic ecosystem.
How We Protect the Arctic
Friends of the Earth works to ensure Arctic Indigenous voices and knowledge are respected and included in decisions that affect their communities and homelands. We work with Indigenous organizations to advance shared environmental goals and protect the future of our planet.
As a member of the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of 24 nonprofits, Friends of the Earth also advocates for stronger protections for Arctic ecosystems, wildlife, and communities.
Resources
Victory for Tribal Communities
In a historic breakthrough, the Inuit Circumpolar Council became the first Indigenous organization ever granted permanent consultative status at the International Maritime Organization.
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