The event was organised jointly by the International Centre for Reindeer Husbandry, Sámi University College/Nordic Sami Institute, the Association of World Reindeers Herders, the Resource Centre for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Kaukeino Municipality. It marked the beginning of the International Polar Year 2007-2009 (IPY), which will include a human dimension with focus on changes in the indigenous peoples' society in the Arctic.
Representatives of indigenous peoples from all Arctic regions, climate researchers, managers, reindeer herders, Sámi youth and politicians, were present at the ceremony. UArctic President Lars Kullerud and Director of Adminstration Outi Snellman also attended, as well as many other UArctic representatives from various programs.
Consult the Indigenous Peoples Polar Year website for more details about the ceremony.
Read what has been written in the world media about the opening ceremony.
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