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Opening Remarks by Silje Karine Muotka, President of the Sámi Parliament in Norway

Dear friends of the Arctic,

The Arctic Council is unlike any other international forum, because Indigenous Peoples are seated at the same table as the Arctic states. The Arctic Council is important for Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous Peoples are important for the Arctic Council.

We must commend Norway for navigating its leadership with a steady hand in uncertain waters. Today, we witness a new chapter in the history of the Arctic Council — a chapter where the Kingdom of Denmark, with Greenland at the steering wheel, is taking over the leadership of the Arctic Council.

For over 50 years, we Sámi have worked closely with our Indigenous sisters and brothers across the Arctic. Our bonds with Kalaallit Nunaat are strong. These relationships have taught us: cooperation in the Arctic must never be built without the Indigenous Peoples who live here.

In a time of unrest, we must not let Indigenous voices be sidelined by geopolitics. On the contrary — if states wish to make progress on Arctic policy, they must uphold and strengthen their obligations to Indigenous Peoples at home.

Truth and reconciliation processes must unfold with the same intensity as the harms they seek to redress. Only in that way can we achieve reconciliation.

The full involvement and active participation of Indigenous representatives are central to the Arctic cooperation. The Sámi Parliament firmly believes that this issue is as crucial now as it was when the Arctic Council was established.

We look forward to Greenland’s, the Faroe Islands’ and Denmark’s leadership in the Arctic Council, rooted in the knowledge of the land and the people who belong to it. When Indigenous Peoples lead, the Arctic is stronger.

(Thank you for your attention. I now have the pleasure of handing over the floor to the representatives of the Kingdom of Denmark/Greenland.)

Ollu giitu.

Welcome Address by Silje Karine Muotka, President of the Sámi Parliament in Norway

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honor to welcome you to Romsa, to Sápmi and the 14th session of the Arctic Council. 

I am president of the Sámi Parliament in Norway, we do not have a in the Arctic Council, Sámis are represented by The Saami Council, who we cooperate closely with.

It is a distinct honour to address you on this important occasion as the leadership of the Arctic Council transitions to the Kingdom of Denmark — with Greenland assuming a leading role. We warmly welcome this development, and extend our sincere congratulations. We also would like to thank Norway for the steady chairship.

The Arctic Council holds a unique place in international cooperation. It is the only multilateral space where Indigenous Peoples are seated at the same table as the states. This model of inclusion and equality has been, and remains, one of the Council’s greatest strengths.

For decades, the Sámi people have built strong and enduring partnerships with Indigenous Peoples across the Circumpolar North. On a day like this I want to highlight our connection to Kalaallit Nunaat. These relationships are vital. They remind us that Arctic cooperation must reflect and respect the lived realities of those who call the Arctic home.

The upcoming Arctic Health Conference in Greenland in 2026 will be a big milestone. I am happy that The Saami Council and Inuit Circumpolar Council has taken a leading role in this important work. The Sámi Parliament is ready to be an active partner.

As we face increasing global interest in the region, it is imperative that the foundational principles of the Arctic Council — consensus, inclusion, and peaceful dialogue — are upheld. We stress the importance of ensuring that Indigenous perspectives remain central to the Arctic Council’s work.

We look forward to the leadership of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Ollu giitu