Speakers
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Dr. James Morton
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Dr. James Morton joined the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR), of the Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to further understand and address suicide among Native veterans, veterans in Alaska, and military service members stationed in rural and remote areas. Additionally, James is an affiliate of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience (CASR) within the College of Business and Security Management at UAF. Within CASR, his focus is on understanding the relationships between Indigenous people and military forces, particularly with special operation forces, in the Arctic region. Dr. Morton earned his doctorate at Southern Illinois University in counselor education and educational psychology, a master of education in mental health at the University of Missouri-St Louis, and both a master of art in International Relations and a bachelor’s in technologies for developing countries at the University of Connecticut. He is a nationally board-certified professional counselor.
Dr. Morton holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves, serving as a Native Affairs adviser for Alaskan Command (ALCOM). He has nearly 30 years of service in a combination of active duty and reserve ranks. His military service includes serving as a qualified US Special Forces operator, Infantry and Military Intelligence officer, and having multiple deployments working with nations in a variety of capacities. He is a graduate of the Combined Arms Staff and Services School, and the Army Command and General Staff College.
Conference Abstract
Indigenous Peoples and Arctic Security: Building Partnerships to Secure the North American Arctic.
The security of the North American Arctic is a function, in part, of the populations that live and thrive in and near the Arctic. For this presentation, the North American Arctic references the inclusion of Canada, Greenland and the Realm of Denmark, the United States, and the sovereign Indigenous people within. In particular, Indigenous people are the predominant peoples of the remote regions of the North American Arctic and are essential members of the overall effort to secure and promote safety in the region. Climate change impacts, sovereignty validation, and economic development are just a few shared interests between Indigenous communities and organizations, and national government interests. However, approaches to Indigenous people’s inclusion continue to require further attention. For instance, issues of trust, unresolved historical trauma, and well-defined pathways that actualize a shared strategic vision to deter foreign encroachment, protect resources, and defend, if necessary, warrant more effort. An enduring trust relationship between Indigenous leaders is foundational and necessary. Identifying and navigating collaboratively those shared problem sets can serve as a means to build equity in trust. Addressing past grievances, stimulating economic opportunities, sharing knowledge, and validating sovereignty are useful considerations. Additionally, developing shared ownership in a strategic vision would highlight common interests, reveal incongruencies in policies and practices, and provide opportunities to co-construct approaches to protect and defend the North American Arctic. The security of the North American Arctic requires the respectful and collaborative inclusion of its Indigenous people that must be grounded in their legitimacy and inclusion in the strategic efforts to secure and protect the homelands.
