The defeat of proposed bans on commercial sealing and the international polar bear trade gives some welcome breathing space to Inuit and other Arctic hunting peoples—at least for now
Here in England, we’re probably experiencing the coldest March in five decades, as winter lingers through the beginnings of spring. But back in Iqaluit—where a March whiteout is within normal bounds, but temperatures above freezing are record-breaking—my friends would likely find the tendency to exaggerate Britain’s current “Arctic conditions” amusing. On their visit here this potentially white Easter, to help celebrate my upcoming wedding, they’ll probably enjoy the respite from the real Arctic.
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Anthony Speca
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A proposal to prohibit international commercial trade in polar bears would do little to protect an already well-protected animal further, but much to damage Inuit economic rights and interests, says Anthony…
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Our international correspondent Anthony Speca argues that northerners shouldn’t worry that Canada will abandon its challenge to the EU’s seal-trade ban in favour of a free-trade deal with the EU. They…
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Anthony Speca writes that a recent letter from Greenpeace Canada only strengthens the impression that Greenpeace’s vision for the Arctic does not include the states and peoples who already govern and…
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An update on this column’s coverage so far—mostly of the disquieting potential consequences for Northerners of proposals to ban various economic activities in the Arctic Anthony Speca – July 27,…
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Greenpeace’s new campaign to “save the Arctic” flies in the face of cooperation with the states and Indigenous peoples who already govern and occupy the region Anthony Speca – July…
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Decisions at the upcoming meeting of the International Whaling Commission might increase pressure on Canada to give the international community a say over the Inuit whale hunt In about two…
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Our overseas correspondent Anthony Speca says NTI’s statement on virgin international fisheries in the Arctic Ocean raises a question about Inuit resistance to involving non-arctic states in arctic economic governance. …
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Senator Mac Harb’s bill to end the seal hunt in Canada provides us an opportunity to look at the international political economy of the seal trade—with emphasis on the political. …