In one of the most remarkable and peaceable political transitions in recent decades, Indigenous peoples across much of the Circumpolar area have been gradually reasserting their presence in their traditional homelands. Fifty years ago, most Indigenous peoples had been pushed to the political, economic and social margins within various nation states, relegated by the dominance of the resource economy and smothered by the intrusions of the activist and southern-based welfare state. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, Indigenous peoples had established a substantial international presence, captured a great deal of media attention, secured (outside of Russia) a significant measure of self-government and the beginnings of influence over northern policy. Indeed, in much of the region, Indigenous peoples have power authority that belies their small numbers while still lacking the financial and political resources to resume control over their traditional lands (Coates, 2004).