In December 2024, Canada announced a new innovative security policy that helps to balance national sovereignty with inclusivity and sustainability. As global tensions rise and the Arctic becomes a challenging geopolitical area, the policy underscores Canada’s commitment to understanding and acknowledging the increasing militarization while increasing Indigenous voices in the decision-making process, specifically Indigenous women. This approach is put in place to strengthen Canada’s Arctic presence and set an example for inclusive security policies around the world.
The Arctic has become a focus point for international conflict due to its extensive natural resources, strategic shipping lanes, and the impact of climate change. Russia’s increased military presence and China’s interest in creating a “Polar Silk Road” have enlarged tensions, limiting Canada’s ability to assert sovereignty. However, Canada’s new policy allows initiatives to strengthen its presence in the Arctic, while also ensuring that the developments made in the Arctic are sustainable and inclusive.
The creation of missions in strategic Arctic areas, including Alaska and Greenland, is one of the policy's most important aspects. In addition to addressing common issues like resource management, climate change, and security threats, these diplomatic outposts seek to improve regional collaboration and reinforce Canada's relations with its neighbours.
The appointment of an Indigenous Arctic Ambassador is another crucial component. Canada's appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Indigenous communities, whose knowledge and experience are essential to the efficient governance of the Arctic, is demonstrated by this historic appointment. By acting as a crucial contact between Indigenous communities and national authorities, the ambassador will make sure that Canada's Arctic strategy takes traditional knowledge into account.
When it comes to promoting the rights of their communities and the protection of the Arctic environment, Indigenous women have long been at the forefront. Through its formal inclusion in its security framework, Canada is drawing on their years of experience in resilience and environmental stewardship. Indigenous women are particularly important to climate monitoring, as they provide observations and data to support scientific studies. Because of their leadership, the development of the Arctic can strike a balance between security concerns, sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation.
While the policy is ambitious, challenges remain. Systemic barriers, such as limited access to resources and infrastructure in remote communities, must be addressed to fully realize the policy’s potential. Building trust and fostering collaboration between government institutions and Indigenous communities will be critical to its success.
Canada has taken a progressive stance in tackling the intricacies of contemporary security with its expanded Arctic security policy. In addition to everchanging its Arctic sovereignty, Canada is showcasing the effectiveness of inclusive and sustainable policies by giving Indigenous women and communities top priority. This policy establishes a standard for other countries to follow and emphasizes the critical role that Indigenous women play in maintaining international security.
References:
Canada, G. A. (2024, December 12). Minister Joly launches Canada’s arctic foreign policy. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/12/minister-joly-launches-canadas-arctic-for eign-policy.html
Canada, E. and C. C. (2024, December 9). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/indigenous-partn ership.html
Canada, G. A. (2024, December 6). Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy. GAC. https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/publications/transparency-transparence/arctic-arctique/a rctic-policy-politique-arctique.aspx
Canada to boost Arctic cooperation with us, cites Russia threat | Reuters. (n.d.). https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-boost-arctic-cooperation-with-us-cites-russia-threat-2024 -12-06/
Sharapova, A., Seck, S., MacLeod, S., & Koubrak, O. (2022). Indigenous rights and interests in a Changing Arctic Ocean: Canadian and Russian experiences and challenges. Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 13. https://doi.org/10.23865/arctic.v13.326
Megan Barker is a student at Queen's University and an Outreach Coordinator for WIIS-Queen's. The opinions of this blog post are reflective of the author and are separate from the organization, Women in International Security Queen's Unviersity (WIIS-Queen's).
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