The 15th Inuit Circumpolar Council general assembly commenced in Iqaluit with the traditional lighting of the qulliq and a ceremonial song. This marks the return to in-person meetings after eight years, following the 2022 virtual assembly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, delegates like Gunn-Britt Retter from the Saami council and four representatives from the Chukotka region in eastern Russia traveled long distances to attend the gathering.

During the opening ceremony, Retter shared her journey from Nuuk, expressing the effort it took to reach Iqaluit. Outgoing ICC chair Sara Olsvig highlighted the global significance of this assembly, especially given the heightened interest in the Arctic, spurred by recent geopolitical events such as the threats to annex Greenland made by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Olsvig emphasized the importance of Inuit guiding their own agenda in their homelands amidst the rising Arctic interest, which she views as both a risk and an opportunity for unity. The event’s theme of unity was echoed by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president Gloria Uluqsi and newly-elected ICC Canada president Herb Nakimayak, stressing the value of face-to-face meetings for sharing knowledge and stories within the Inuit community.

Iqaluit Mayor Solomon Awa emphasized the strength of Inuit collaboration in the face of Arctic changes and external scrutiny. The upcoming sessions of the general assembly will focus on Indigenous rights, as well as peace and security, underscoring the vital discussions ahead.