Thierry Rodon

Inuit diplomacy in the global ERA: The strengths of multilateral internationalism

In this article we extend the meaning of traditional diplomacy to include the multiple levels of diplomatic activities that can exist inside states, in federations, and in states where Indigenous peoples are present, and to include also the diplomatic activities of non‐governmental political entities who intervene internationally. We review the diplomatic activity of Canadian Inuit, identifying continuities in their diplomatic practices from the times before there was extensive contact with other peoples, through colonial times, to the present. As a transnational people relying entirely upon peaceful means, they have been able to reframe the colonial logic in the Arctic using four strategies: (1) forming a transnational Inuit polity cutting across four nationstates, but directly challenging none of them; (2) creating an Arctic region based on cooperation between nation‐states; (3) establishing the Inuit as an international people; and, (4) negotiating self‐governing arrangements in most of the Inuit regions. These achievements are built on the successful adaptation of practices present in traditional circumpolar societies, in a fashion that should recommend them to circumpolar nation‐states concerned with building a peaceful circumpolar region.

Co‐management and self‐determination in Nunavut

Abstract This paper explores the question of power relations within co‐management institutions in Nunavut and, in particular, their role in the Inuit peoples’ efforts to achieve self‐determination. Following the presentation of an interpretive model outlining the three possible interactions within co‐management institutions—integration, transaction, and empowerment—a case study of the co‐management institutions pertaining to wildlife in Nunavut is conducted. The experience of the interim wildlife board, established in 1990, particularly the crisis surrounding the setting of a quota for beluga harvest in three southeast Baffin communities, can be interpreted as an attempt at co‐optation. Resistance from Inuit hunters allowed for an increase in the quotas, although the concept of quotas per se was not called into question. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, established in 1994, has more power than its predecessor. However, the initial experiences of the NWMB indicate that the Federal government is deter...

Institutional development and resource development: the case of Canada’s Indigenous peoples

ABSTRACT In debates around the so-called resource curse, one camp argues that resource development corrupts economies and institutions, while the other camp claims institutions can mediate the impact of resource development. This article explores whether land claims agreements (LCAs) in the Canadian Arctic have helped Indigenous peoples improve development outcomes for their communities. We analyse the institutional frameworks created by LCAs in four case studies: the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, the Inuit of Nunavik, the Inuit of Nunavut and the Inuit of Nunatsiavut. We find a positive institutional effect on capacity to control and benefit from resource development for one: the Cree of Eeyou Istchee.

Constraints to wildlife harvesting among aboriginal communities in Alaska and Canada

A large body of research confirms that access to wildlife resources can reduce conditions of food insecurity and health related illness among Aboriginal peoples in Canada and Alaska. Yet the procurement of wildfoods depends on the ability of Aboriginal households to overcome a range of obstacles that impede such access. Utilizing a data set collected between 2007 and 2013, this paper identifies a range of barriers that Aboriginal households in Alaska (Gwich’in), Alberta (Cree), Nunavik (Inuit), and Nunatsiavut (Inuit) encounter in accessing wildfoods. The results demonstrate that the constraints experienced by Aboriginal peoples in Canada and Alaska in accessing wildfoods are experienced differently depending on region, community, age, gender, and the political environment in which wildlife harvesting occurs. These findings underscore the diversity of factors that can influence one’s access to wildlife resources, and one’s chance of being food insecure. It is hoped that the results of this research will lead to a more informed understanding of Aboriginal food security in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Regions of North America, and can contribute to more flexible policies that can account for the social, economic and political diversity in which Aboriginal food insecurity is experienced.

Qallunaaliaqtut: Inuit Students' Experiences of Postsecondary Education in the South.

The purpose of this study was to learn from the experiences of post-secondary Inuit students from Canada. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, we realized that despite the challenges associated with pursuing post-secondary education in the South, most respondents perceived their experience to be positive. Lack of access to sufficient and equitable funding was perceived by respondents to be a significant barrier, as was the lack of readily available information for prospective students from Inuit Nunangat. We conclude with a brief discussion of possible actions for improving access to university education in Inuit Nunangat, notably that governments should not only focus on training and should develop programs that reflect Inuit students’ needs and aspirations.

Towards a sustainable future for Nunavik

The predominantly Inuit Arctic region of Nunavik in the Province of Quebec, Canada, currently needs to address major challenges and opportunities. The region needs to develop more employment and wealth creation opportunities without sacrificing the vital land-based subsistence sector that provides food security, sustains cultural identity and provides social and economic stability. A decision about a new direction needs to be taken soon as major mining projects are developing at a rapid pace. In this paper we first assess existing socioeconomic and living conditions data to evaluate the state of social well-being in the region. In addition we report and analyse information from an economic forum in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik in April 2010. The purpose of the forum was to provide an opportunity for regional and local stakeholders to obtain information on specific economic opportunities for Nunavik and to discuss their merit for the communities. Based on our data evaluation and the outcomes at the forum we identify a possible sustainable development feedback envisioning process and discuss possible sustainable development directions for Nunavik.

Makippugut (We are Standing Up): Public Policy and Self-Determination in Nunavik

Inuit are seeking to engage the Québec government in the development of new policies to support change. As Inuit with special rights and privileges set out in the JBNQA [James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement] and then elaborated in subsequent agreements, they must also be afforded every possibility to protect and promote their culture and way of life and be provided with every opportunity to participate in the economy of the region. – Makivik Corporation et al., Parnasimautik Consultation Report

Development in Nunavik: How Regional and Local Initiatives Redefine Sustainable Development in Nunavik

ABSTRACT For more than 50 years, the Inuit of Nunavik have been subjected to development plans devised in the south by the Government of Canada and Quebec that has a profound impact on Inuit people and their culture. The latest plan, known as Plan Nord, proposes sustainable development for the North based on the protection of 50 percent of the territory. However, the Inuit of Nunavik face many social challenges and this is reflected in the socioeconomic indicators of the region. In order to alleviate these social circumstances, numerous regional and local initiatives are attempting to establish programs better suited to the culture and needs of Nunavimmiut. Examples at the regional level include childcare and midwifery services supported by Quebec. At the local level, initiatives such as the Unaaq Men’s Association and the Innavik Project are making an effort to address local needs. In this paper, following a presentation of the Nunavik governance architecture, we will analyze how local (Unaaq, Innavik) and regional initiatives (Midwifery Program, Childcare, Preparation for Post-Secondary Education, Nunavik Parks) contribute to the sustainable development of Nunavik.

Coming in from the Cold

In the past, Inuit societies were often pictured as unorganized, primitive, and isolated. Their impressive success in domestic and international politics over the last forty years contradicts these early stereotypes. Inuit have been strong partners in an international movement to create a stable and equitable political regime in the circumpolar world. Beginning in the 1970s, Canadian Inuit made common cause with Inuit of Alaska and Greenland, forming the very effective nongovernmental organization, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) in 1977. They developed an Arctic Policy to support international efforts to better manage the circumpolar basin, fought and won a battle to create a global program to reduce the production of persistent organic pollutants, and have led international efforts for action on climate change.