ABSTRACT

Arctic energy development has considerable effects on the area's future, but also globally the growing need for new resources is forcing us to explore new territories. At the same time, the Arctic is largely inhabited by indigenous peoples and has special environmental vulnerabilities that can contribute to impacts on Arctic indigenous peoples. Norms of consultation with indigenous peoples thus have a particular importance in Arctic contexts. Arctic countries like Norway and Denmark have ratified the only legally binding international convention dedicated to indigenous peoples, the International Labour Convention No. 169 (hereafter ILO 169) concerning the rights of indigenous peoples. Finland is considering the ratification, while its neighbouring country Sweden seems to have dropped the idea, for now at least. The main challenge is related to land rights, especially the ownership and possession of traditionally occupied lands (Article 14). However, a more contemporary issue seems to be the exploration and exploitation of natural and mineral resources for the growing needs of global markets. This is often made in areas where ownership questions are unresolved or areas that are used for the purposes of traditional livelihoods. ILO 169 states that exploitation of natural resources should not take place in indigenous territories without the peoples’ prior, free and informed consent. They have the right to a fair share of the benefits from such activities in their lands, and the right to just and fair compensation. According to ILO 169, these rights should be settled through appropriate negotiations and proper agreements with the indigenous peoples concerned. This article will explore the participatory mechanisms and gives an example from Finland.

INTRODUCTION

The issue of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples’ right to land and other natural resources is an important and controversial issue in international politics and law. However, the issue is very contemporary in the Arctic context, where energy development has been very fast recently and will have considerable effects on the areas in future, but also globally the growing need for new resources is forcing us to explore new territories. At the same time, the Arctic is largely inhabited by indigenous peoples and other local people and has special environmental vulnerabilities that can contribute to impacts on Arctic indigenous peoples and other communities.