Based on the author's thesis (Doctoral--UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 2010).

Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-255) and index.

Introduction -- Classical international law and early philosophy theory on peoples' rights -- Political theory that underpins the law -- International law on international legal sources -- Indigenous peoples' legal status under contemporary international law -- The content and scope of the right to self-determination when applied to indigenous peoples -- The right to equality -- Indigenous communities' property rights over lands and natural resources traditionally used -- The content and scope of indigenous communities' property rights over lands and natural resources traditionally used -- Summary.

"Indigenous Peoples' Status in the International Legal System offers a new and profound insight into the international indigenous rights discourse. This volume articulates that the understanding of peoples is paramount to the question of whether indigenous peoples are beneficiaries of the right to self-determination, and, if so, what should be the content and scope of this right. The book additionally explores the contemporary meaning of equality, arguing that the understanding of equality fundamentally impacts what rights indigenous peoples possess over territories and natural resources. This book outlines the rights of greatest relevance to indigenous peoples, communities, and individuals, and explains the justification for indigenous rights"--Unedited summary from book jacket.