ABSTRACT
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that defines the northernmost region of the globe. The Arctic nations are well aware of the threat posed by indigenous rights to their national sovereignty. The challenge of sustainable Arctic resource governance is often portrayed simply as a conflict between environmental protection and profit-making, with the interests of local communities variably used in favor of one or the other. The Inuit Circumpolar Council has this to say about the issue: Old ideas of sovereignty are breaking down as different governance models, such as the European Union, evolve. Sovereignties overlap and are frequently divided within federations in creative ways to recognize the right of peoples. The Inuit Circumpolar Council, for example, although never having pressed for independent Inuit statehood, holds a Consultative Status with the UN and is active in numerous UN organizations.
