Exciting Arctic finds and who’s in charge up there

As mentioned in this previous post (7/28), Parks Canada is having a spectacular summer of archeological and historical discovery in the quest for ships lost while exploring the Arctic in the mid 1800’s.

More information, photos and some interesting videos – in amazingly clear water – of the most recent finds relating to HMS Investigator are now posted at this Parks Canada site.

These long-sought relics were (and remain) British.  So, interest in any finds runs high in England too.

Canada established its own path toward full nationhood in 1867, a number of years after the Franklin expedition and the subsequent rescue voyage of the Investigator were lost. But the argument goes that Canada inherited all the territorial exploration and claims that took place within its modern boundaries.  Sovereignty claims typically rely upon activities that include discovery, cession, conquest and administration.  Things that play into persistent disagreements over who controls what in the Arctic.

Technically, no nation ‘owns’ the north pole, or the Arctic Ocean surrounding the pole.  After that, matters get contentious.  And in a big way, because the world still needs items like gas and oil, and efficient ways to move stuff around.  There aren’t all that many exciting ‘new’ opportunities to shorten shipping lanes, or go drilling for riches.  Be that for better or worse.

At least 5 nations stake economic claims in the Arctic by virtue of location, location, location: Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Norway, Russia, and the United States (via Alaska). There is also a larger Arctic Council with 8 member nations (the aforementioned 5, plus Iceland, Finland and  Sweden).

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made headlines back in March when she criticized a Canada-sponsored summit which stuck to the 5-nation cast and excluded other interested parties.

Many want in on the game, as players or observers.  And all nations have an interest in potential shipping lanes as sea ice melts: are they international waters (as the U.S. and most of the world advocates ) or internal waters, under Canadian control?  (Canada’s position.)

Recent cooperation may help resolve some of the muddle.  This BBC article describes a current Canadian/U.S. joint survey to better determine the extent of continental shelves, which has a bearing on rights to explore and extract potential energy and mineral resources in economic zones.

Lastly, various native groups all around the polar region have their own perspective and priorities that have little to do with international boundaries.  Some have formed the Inuit Circumpolar Council to foster greater respect and consultation.

At present, though, the chances of actual Arctic people controlling their own region seem to fall into the category of traveling on a Mohawk-issued passport.  Theoretically possible.  But far from reality.

(8/6) Author’s correction: I think that would more properly be an “Iroquois-issued passport”.  Sorry about that!

Tags: Arctic sovereignty, canada