Because distances between settlements are long, populations are small, and economies mixed and different from southern norms, there is a pressing need for increased international circumpolar communications. The activities of the ACR are selected to describe selected cultural and environmental themes common to circumpolar communities, but the efforts of many other organizations and individuals are needed to optimize inclusion of Arctic issues in the global context.

Languages and Literacy

The languages of the many circumpolar peoples are related, yet maintain distinct characteristics. Most cultures traditionally communicated orally. The survival of spoken languages is a priority for many peoples, in the face of domination of European languages and media. Today’s political map means that Roman orthography (Europe and North America), the Cyrillic alphabet (Russia), and syllabics (North America) are used to express traditional Inuit languages in written form. Common Inuit writing systems are being promoted.

Language survival is considered by many to be integral to survival of traditional ways of life. Therefore some consider it to be more urgent than conventional literacy. However, literacy in its broader definition, is requisite to full participation in wider society. These issues are being addressed by communities, governments, and international organizations such as the Inuit Circumpolar Conference. There is much work to be done.

Internet Access

The Internet holds the potential to communicate by audiovisual and written media across long distances. As reliable electricity, personal computers, affordable transmission, and literacy expand in Arctic regions, the Internet can overcome the limitations of distance in information transfer in the areas of education, culture, justice, and medicine. The gaps in quality of life between north and south can be addressed in part by use of the Internet.

Issues to be resolved include cost of service to small and remote populations, technical training and support, and development of appropriate content. Active community involvement in creating content would ensure that the Internet became a usable and constructive tool in Arctic settlements. There is also the need to provide accessible, up-to-date information on the North to users such as governments and industry who may not be aware of current priorities.

The ACR has taken an active part in both using the Internet and in promoting recognition of its importance (see Partnerships, Culture Greenland). The Canadian Polar Commission produced a status report for Canada in 2001 on northern access to Internet, which is available on its website. (see www.polarcom.gc.ca/pdf/internet_summary_en.pdf). For example, Russia has many barriers to overcome to equalize Internet communication with other circumpolar countries.

The ACR is interested in hearing of projects whose goals are to increase northern content, use and teach traditional languages, and increase accessibility.

Other Current Issues

Other issues which are shared by north and south, and by all circumpolar countries, include:

• Land claims and self-government
• International circumpolar trade and transportation,
• Environmental problems such as pollution and global warming
• International military activities
• Rights of indigenous peoples