An examination of the rights of the Iñupiat in relation to the harvesting and conservation of marine species in the Chukchi Sea: implications for the offshore oil and gas leasing activities of the United States.

Abstract

This thesis examines the legal basis behind sociocultural rights of indigenous peoples, and specifically the Iñupiat of North America to harvest marine mammals. It then examines the United States’ oil leasing program in the Chuckchi Sea, with specific attention to any elements of the program which might demonstrate that the rights of the Iñupiat were insufficiently considered by the United States government. Finally, the thesis will focus on whether or not the United States has violated the human/sociocultural rights of the Iñupiat in the exercise of its right to utilize its natural wealth.