October 20, 2025 — Inuit Circumpolar Council will convene its first Inuit Women’s Summit in Sisimiut from October 27 – 29, 2025. The Summit will bring together over 50 Inuit practitioners, change-makers, rights-holders and leaders from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), Alaska, and Canada, with participants from Chukotka will contribute online.
The three-day summit will facilitate networking, sharing of knowledge, and good practices. The Summit will conclude with recommendations that will aim to strengthen national, regional and international advocacy in the promotion, protection and implementation of the rights of Inuit women and girls.
“I am absolutely thrilled that we are able to convene Inuit women from across Inuit Nunaat at this critical moment in time. It is the first Inuit Women’s Summit in history, and we know that we will have much to share and learn from each other. The individual and collective rights of Inuit women and girls are adversely affected by many current and historical policies, programmes and events, and we must stand together in the promotion and protection of the rights of Inuit women and girls,” said Sara Olsvig, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Inuit and other Indigenous women and girls are strong agents of change and betterment for the local, regional, and global society. Inuit women are carriers of life, of knowledge and through their work they uphold and promote the individual and collective rights of all Inuit.
Themes
The Inuit Women’s Summit will explore three themes: rights and role of Inuit women, violence prevention and safety for Inuit women and girls, and strength based in culture, empowerment, wellness, and self-care.
Based on these themes, ICC aims to increase networking and collaboration and deepen knowledge among Inuit women to address the continued violations of the rights of Inuit women and girls.
“We are all deeply affected by the colonial policies that have targeted Inuit women and girls, for example the birth control programmes in Kalaallit Nunaat, forced placement of Inuit children in foster care, and missing and murdered Indigenous women and girl across Canada and Alaska. At this critical moment, we must share our strengths and support each other in paving the way for healing and reconciliation,” said Sara Olsvig.
Best practices
The ICC 2022 General Assembly directed ICC to identify best practices for the healing, health, and wellness of our communities, and to raise awareness about and support efforts to overcome the systemic discrimination of Inuit where it is known to exist.
“As the unified organization of Inuit, ICC is committed to addressing issues directly affecting Inuit. We must learn from each other and build on the healing and prevention practices developed across Inuit Nunaat. I look forward to – together with the Mayor of Qeqqata Kommunia who has graciously supported this event – welcoming the many knowledge holders and practitioners to Sisimiut and to learn as we gather for this important summit”, said Sara Olsvig.
The Inuit Women’s Summit is supported by strong ICC partners, including the Danish Parliament, Pauktuutit – Inuit Women of Canada, the Nordic Council of Minister, Oceans North Canada, Air Greenland, and the International Indigenous Women’s Forum (FIMI).
In addition to the funding partners, observers at the Summit will include the Saami Council, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Tilioq, the Foreign Ministry of Naalakkersuisut (Government of Greenland), the Arctic Council Chairship and the Expert Group on involuntary contraception. As part of its outreach, the Summit will organize an event for participants and community members to meet and network with each other.
CONTACT:
Tina Kûitse
ICC Greenland Kalaallit Nunaat / Greenland
+ 299 34 22 28