“An iñua is a spirit or soul that exists in all people, animals, water, and plants. For Iñuit,
our people, animals, and land share an intimate relationship - we have ceremony and traditions to ensure the animal and plant iñua is released in a respectful way. We traditionally believed this would allow them to come back and continue to feed our families.
Siḷa translated literally is weather, but traditional knowledge tells us it is also the breath of life that connects us all. Siḷa connects the iñuat all around us, what happens to the land and animals, happens to us. ”
Our Mission
Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic’s mission is to create space for healthy communities, spiritually, mentally, and physically; fostering the connection between people, culture and land. We are empowered as frontline communities and those who have inherent connection with the land and what it provides.
We are S.I.L.A.
We are an organization of Iñupiat Peoples and community members that believe in a balanced Earth for future generations. We are guided by our principles, elders, and advisory board for a movement towards a sustainable, equitable society. This work is done through an intersectional lens that is inclusive and safe. The tools we are using for this movement are:
Iñupiaqatigiigñiq: Traditional Iñupiat Values
Community engagement
Shareholder engagement
Knowledge sharing events
Political advocacy
Language revitalization
Iñupiaq intergenerational cultural revitalization
Principles
Ensure Iñupiat values are the core of our movement.
Unlearn, Dismantle, Heal, and Create.
Our communities are the experts.
Grow an inclusive movement for all.
Create space for people to speak for themselves.
Work together in unity, solidarity, and accountability to each other.
Strive to build fair and just relationships in our organizing.
Uplifting marginalized & oppressed voices that align with Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic.
Commit to transition from an extractive and unsustainable economy to a sustainable and regenerative economy that benefits the majority.
Acknowledge we live in a system of racial injustice and imbalance. We need to create a future that aligns with our Iñupiaq values and can sustain our future generations.
Be soulful.
Ponca, OK May 2019 Arctic Panel with Martha Itta, Stanley Aksaitaq Riley, Siqiñiq Thomas, Bernadette Demientieff, and Siqiñiq Maupin.