Northern leaders, artists, researchers and writers gathered in Germany for the Arctic Perspective Initiative open space conference to discuss and develop strategies over three days in September 2010.

Through the conference, Arctic Perspective Initiative and the participants have started to draft the Phoenix Declaration stating the importance of the circumpolar region within the world's systems and collaboration with the peoples who have lived there for thousands of years. While the topic of the Arctic is visible in many sectors of society, the declaration stands for the principles of true collaboration and partnership in order to forge a better world. The Arctic is at the forefront of issues surrounding theimpacts of climate changes, and can serve as a model of adaptation and the convergence of traditional knowledge and science with new technologies for the rest of the world.


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PHOENIX DECLARATION

The participants of the Arctic Perspective Initiative Open Space 2010 conference (1) and the undersigned,

Recognizing that it is in the interest of all humankind that the Arctic, its Peoples and their cultures, its wildlife and its environment shall continue to exist peacefully and shall not continue to be the scene or object of colonization, natural resources exploitation and international discord;

Acknowledging the substantial contributions to human culture and knowledge by the Arctic Peoples;

Acknowledging that intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation within the Arctic contributes to the understanding of the world as a global system;


Affirming the integration of art, traditional knowledge, science and technology leads to, inter alia, empowered and free individuals;

Affirming the values and principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ;

Convinced that the establishment of a firm foundation for the continuation and development of cooperation based on open and free exchange of knowledge, expression and methodologies accords with the interests of the Arctic Peoples and all humankind while recognizing dependence and interconnectedness with the global ecosystem;

Convinced also that a declaration ensuring the respect of the Artic, its people, wildlife and environment will further the principles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and point towards sustainable Arctic futures;

have agreed to the following:

1. To advance, promote, protect and empower indigenous Arctic cultures through close collaboration and investment in long term engagement;

2. To advance the convergence of the home as center and the frontier as homeland through the Arctic Peoples freedom of choice to live a sedentary life or pursue strategies of renomadisation and life on the land;

3. To embrace an ethos of material and resource conservation and preservation;

4. To recognize the continuity of past and present by giving new life to old myths, including the right to protect and develop past, present, and future manifestations thereof;

5. To utilize new technologies and scientific methods without foregoing Nature, traditional knowledge and expertise;

6. To establish open, dynamic and long-term modes of arctic inter-regional and north-south communication and collaboration in the art, traditional knowledge, science, technology and economic fields;

7. To embrace the knowledge and learning potential of sharing, listening, showing and telling

8. To recognize the interconnectedness of art and life while remaining open to the rhythms of indigenous Arctic cultures and environment;

9. To promote the importance of autonomy and self governance;

The provisions set forth in this declaration shall be interpreted with respect for human rights, the environment, wildlife and equality for all.