Extracting More than Resources: Human Security and Arctic Indigenous Women

Abstract

The circumpolar Arctic region is at the forefront of rapid change, and with change come concerns regarding potential security threats. While extractive industry development can bring economic benefits to an area, there are also human security concerns associated with these development projects. This has been acknowledged by groups that study the impact extractive industry development projects have on different geographic areas. However, most studies have looked at development projects in southern hemisphere countries or countries classified as “developing.” What has not been explored are human security concerns connected with extractive industry development projects within the “developed” countries like the United States. This Article will change that by focusing on the human security concerns connected to extractive industry development in the circumpolar region of the United States, particularly as these projects may threaten the security of indigenous women in the region.

Keywords: Indigenous Women, Alaska Native Women, Extractive Industries, Circumpolar Arctic, Human Security, Violence Against Women, Climate Change