Finland
Finland's significant involvement in arctic cooperation over the past decade has created new links
between Finnish and northern Canadian aboriginal peoples. As the chair of the Arctic
Council (www.arctic-council.org) from 2000-2002, Finland sought to raise the profile of the Council
as a champion of Arctic issues. As outlined in the Program for the Finnish Chair of the
Arctic Council in 2000-2002,
Finland acknowledged the special relationship to the Arctic of indigenous peoples and
their communities by striving to strengthen their participation in the development
of Arctic cooperation. "Finland pays particular attention to improving the living conditions
of indigenous peoples, developing human resources, supporting cultures and improving social
conditions." Arctic indigenous representatives from such organizations as the
Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Arctic Athabaskan Council
and Gwich'in Council International
are active participants and consultants as permanent
members of the Arctic Council. Aboriginal Canadian representation through these organizations
was evident at numerous meetings hosted by Finland between 2000-2002. Information on these
meetings can be found in the Arctic Council archives at these links:
Arctic Council ministerial Meeting in Inari
Four SAO-meetings (Rovaniemi, Espoo, Oulu and Inari)
Three SDWG-meetings in Rovaniemi, Espoo and Oulu
Capacity Building Workshop in Helsinki
Taking Wing Conference in Saariselkä
For pictures on these events, go to:
www.arctic-council.org/sao-inari2002.html
www.arctic-council.org/taking_wing_photos.html
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