Arctic sovereignty: Inuit leader warns the ground is shifting

Natan Obed told an Arctic security symposium that recent U.S. rhetoric about Greenland could be redirected at Canada’s North, and he urged that Inuit and other Indigenous leaders be included in sovereignty and security discussions.

Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, spoke at an Arctic security symposium at the University of Ottawa and warned that recent rhetoric about Greenland could be aimed at Canada’s North. He said Indigenous leadership must be part of national and diplomatic conversations about sovereignty and security. His remarks came as federal officials and defence communities place greater emphasis on projecting and protecting Canada’s Arctic territory. The discussion also reflected concern about evolving, non‑traditional threats in the region. Key points: - Natan Obed said recent U.S. rhetoric about Greenland could be redeployed to challenge Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. - Obed called for Inuit and other Indigenous leaders to be included in sovereignty and security discussions affecting the North. - Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that defending Canada’s Arctic sovereignty is a national security priority and that government partnership with Indigenous peoples is needed. - An academic at the event noted rising "hybrid" threats in the Arctic and said political unpredictability abroad adds to concern. Summary: Obed’s remarks put Indigenous leadership at the centre of current sovereignty discussions and highlight worries that external rhetoric could increase pressure on Canada’s northern claims. Federal officials reiterated that Arctic sovereignty is a national priority and emphasized partnering with Indigenous communities. Undetermined at this time.