# Inuit Circumpolar Council leadership elections 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/inuit-circumpolar-council-leadership-elections-2026 > Updated: 2026-07-27T17:54:41.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. In July 2026 the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) convened its 15th general assembly in Iqaluit, Nunavut – the first in‑person meeting since 2018. Delegates from Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Russia discussed Arctic governance, Indigenous rights and climate challenges, and adopted a declaration urging implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, protection of Inuit sovereignty, and maintenance of Arctic peace. During the assembly, Herb Nakimayak of Paulatuk was elected president of ICC Canada, winning 11 of 13 votes. Nakimayak, who had served as interim president since September 2025, will lead the Canadian branch until 2030 and highlighted the need to navigate growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, including U.S. claims on Greenland, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Chinese icebreaker activity. Two days later, Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., was acclaimed chair of the ICC, succeeding Sara Olsvig of Greenland. Kotierk’s term also runs to 2030, and she reaffirmed a commitment to cooperation among Inuit across Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Chukotka. Both elections signal a continuity of leadership focused on advancing Inuit rights, influencing Arctic policy, and confronting external pressures on the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-27: Aluki Kotierk elected chair of Inuit Circumpolar Council Aluki Kotierk, former Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president, was acclaimed chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council for 2026‑2030, succeeding Sara Olsvig. The Iqaluit assembly adopted a declaration on Indigenousrights 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aluki-kotierk-elected-chair-of-inuit-circumpolar-council ### 2026-07-22: Herb Nakimayak elected president of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada At the ICC’s 15th assembly in Iqaluit, Herb Nakimayak was elected president of ICC Canada, pledging to address Arctic geopolitics and continue campaigns against seal‑skin and fur bans. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/herb-nakimayak-elected-president-of-inuit-circumpolar-council-canada --- Cite as: Inuit Circumpolar Council leadership elections 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/inuit-circumpolar-council-leadership-elections-2026