Indigenous Self-Determination, Legal Pluralism, and In/Equalities in the Arctic
Summary:
In recent decades, the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights have evolved significantly in most Arctic regions, particularly under the impetus of international norms, including those enshrined in the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). However, the intensity of legal protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Arctic region varies widely, depending on the legal and political systems of the different states and on the nature of the issues at stake. In particular, the right to self-determination, including the right of Indigenous Peoples to pursue their economic, social, and cultural development according to their own legal orders, and the right of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional lands, territories, and resources, have proven to be particularly controversial in most Arctic states and in the region more generally. This roundtable aims to highlight and discuss issues and challenges related to the recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic region, with a particular focus on the right to self-determination. It also aims to reflect on the implications of the lack of recognition of Indigenous peoples’ rights for the re/production of inequalities for - and among - Indigenous communities.
Discussion questions:
Can you talk briefly about your research and/or practice, and explain how issues of Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and inequality manifest in your work?
Based on your research and/or practice, what are the main issues and challenges related to the recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination?
What are the implications of the issues and challenges you have identified in relation to the realization of Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination for the re/production of inequalities in the Arctic region?
Which type of changes/reforms are in you view necessary to foster Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and reduce inequalities the Arctic?
Organization:
Sophie Thériault, Professor, Faculty of Law (Civil Law Section), University of Ottawa
Gail Fondahl, Adjunct Professor and Professor Emerita, University of Northern Bristish Columbia
Facilitator:
Laura Wilmot, Faculty of Law, Laval University, Québec
Panel members:
Bridget Larocque, Policy advisor and researcher, Arctic Athabaskan Council
Anders Oskal, Secretary General, Association of World Reindeer Herders
Lisa Ellington, Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Social Work and Criminology, Laval University, Québec
Sophie Thériault, Professor, Faculty of Law (Civil Law Section), University of Ottawa
Simultaneous translation in English and in French available.
Please note this event will be recorded and shared on Youtube
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Video recording of the event
[Original] WAGE Roundtable Series | Event #6 : Youtube link
[Fr] Série de tables rondes WAGE | Événement #6 : Youtube link
[En] WAGE Roundtable Series | Event #6 : Youtube link
