UN high seas treaty praised by Inuit Circumpolar Council

The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) has applauded the United Nations’ high seas treaty reached this month, saying it will contribute to the protection of the Inuit homeland in the North. “When Inuit look out across the ocean, we see an ocean that connects us rather than separate us. The oceans are the life of Inuit and all people worldwide.”The maritime biodiversity treaty was reached on March 4. Indigenous knowledge included amongst principlesAmong the principles outlined in the document is accessing Indigenous knowledge only if free, prior and informed consent is given. “Indigenous knowledge is necessary for addressing the inter-related ocean, biodiversity and climate change crises.”Lisa Koperqualuk, ICC Canada president, says Inuit are at the forefront of climate change with knowledge that can assist the world community.