Arctic Indigenous Voices Archives
Voices on Polar North Shipping

Arctic Indigenous Voices

Increased Arctic shipping due to climate change can have a major impact on the Arctic environment, and thus indigenous communities. Increased shipping may significantly affect specific Arctic waters, food security, subsistence activities, the environment and wildlife. Arctic communities, Arctic food security, and Indigenous peoples’ cultures stand to be impacted by increased shipping. Many issues and concerns surrounding increased shipping are discussed across multiple regional, national, and international government bodies. However, the IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the only agency that sets international maritime rules.

With increased international vessel transits through Arctic waters, there is a need to set standards that protect the livelihoods of Arctic Indigenous peoples. However, there is a glaring lack of direct input or independent representation by Arctic Indigenous peoples in creating or advising on the development of international maritime law for the region.


Read Here


Listen Here


Read Here


Friends of the Earth seeks to:
  • Advocate for Arctic indigenous voices to be heard.  For over two years, Friends of the Earth has partnered with indigenous organizations to bring indigenous representatives to IMO to help them learn about the organization and experience first-hand why IMO deliberations have an impact on their communities. Indigenous peoples have been heard numerous times by the IMO.
  • Partner with indigenous organizations to advance joint environmental interests and initiatives.  FOE staff have presented to numerous indigenous organizations on the issues being discussed at IMO, and let them know how they can be part of IMO deliberations using our experience as the oldest environmental non-profit with consultative status at the Organization.
  • Empower Arctic peoples through capacity building and knowledge.  FoE has worked with indigenous organizations to help them think about how they can be more involved, such as potential ways to obtain official IMO consultative status, and have the capacity to be more engaged.
Latest News See All
Honoring the Legacy of Verner Wilson III

We have lost a bright light in our movement, and we will endeavor to continue Verner’s work to elevate Indigenous voices.

Lawsuit targeting Arctic drilling challenges Biden administration to think long-term on climate

Earthjustice filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace USA challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of Peregrine, an exploratory drilling program entering its third year in the Western Arctic in Alaska.

Lawsuit calls out Biden administration for allowing oil operators to harm Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears

Groups sued the Biden administration today for issuing a regulation that allows oil and gas companies to harass Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears despite the likelihood of causing injury and death.

Latest Blog Posts See All
The Climate & Agriculture provisions of the IRA
The Climate & Agriculture provisions of the IRA

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is many things at once. The good and the bad all need to be considered together.

For Arctic Indigenous people, is foresight 2020?
For Arctic Indigenous people, is foresight 2020?

It is important for Arctic Indigenous peoples to be heard at this crucial meeting, to help people understand why we need the Arctic to remain cool by reducing emissions from shipping and other sectors.

Arctic Indigenous Voices made a difference on polar shipping in 2018 – and 2019 looks promising too
Arctic Indigenous Voices made a difference on polar shipping in 2018 – and 2019 looks promising too

It’s not every day that elder Alaska Natives are heard and respected by leaders from around the world.

Resources See All
  • Indigenous Participation at IMO Briefing Q&A
    Download
  • Indigenous IMO Campaign Fact Sheet
    Download
  • Kawerak, Inc. Resolution
    Download