Arctic Peoples

By Colleen Henry

As an intern for the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat, I was recently asked to investigate, interview and report on an Arctic leader for an International Insititute of Sustainable Development newsletter. After a great deal of reflection I decided that an entity, not an individual, should be highlighted as an Arctic leader. And for good reason.

In the early days Sámi language and culture faced the threat of extinction as the governments of Norway, Sweden and Finland encouraged and promoted assimilation of Sámi into mainstream society. Since then the language and culture have been strengthened by Sámi Radio’s broadcasts. Read the rest of this entry »