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Port of Call |
LAST UPDATE August 6, 2008
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| July 7, 2008 |
Nuuk, Greenland – The Flip-side of Change |
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| Many houses in Greenland are imported from Denmark as kits, with assembly instructions on videotapes |
The long dark days of the Arctic winter were well and truly over when the haven of ice-capped mountains welcomed Peace Boat into Greenland.
The pristine wilderness surrounding Nuuk port was poetic, and the geology a magnificent backdrop to the brightly painted homes that sprinkle the town. There were whispers of humpback whales playing in the fjords and sightings of Santa by the bay. |
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| Inuits can trace their origins to Central Asia and their features still closely resemble people from this area |
Inuits were the first inhabitants of Greenland. They remained in total isolation until 982 when a Norwegian Viking called Erik the Red settled there. Legend has it that he named the territory 'Greenland' in hope of enticing further settlement.
The Inuit occupy a vast geographical area stretching from Chukotka in the Russian Far East across Alaska and Canada to the east coast of Greenland, sharing a common culture and language. |
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| Women’s traditional dress includes three main elements: an anorak, shorts made of seal skin and kamiks |
Greenland's modern history began in 1721 when it was colonized by Denmark. When Denmark was occupied by the USA during 1940-45, Greenland came under the protection of the USA, and was granted self-government in 1979. However, foreign affairs and higher education remain the responsibility of Denmark - the sole university in Greenland is located in Nuuk and has about 100 enrollments. A referendum on self-government has been scheduled for later this year.
The traditional language of Greenlandic is still one of the principle languages, along with Danish and English. Of the 56000 people that live in Greenland, 8000 are Inuit youth aged between15-24. The rapid social, cultural and economic change that has swept across the circumpolar north, has not been without problems for many of these youth.
A group of Peace Boat participants were addressed by the Inuit Circumpolar Youth Council (ICYC) to discuss these issues. The ICYC runs projects locally, nationally, internationally and with the United Nations, to address the issues faced by Inuit youth. ICYC's three focus areas are 'culture and language', 'health' and 'education and training'. |
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Peace Boat participants shared a delicious traditional meal of salmon, dried fish and muskox meat with their hosts from the Inuit community |
In traditional Inuit society, social organization was built around the immediate kin group. Social obligations to help one's family and to share meat and fish were key cultural principles.
After colonization, Greenlandic people were forced to change their lifestyle. The rapid period of industrialization that followed dragged them from subsistence hunting and living as one with nature into to a developed modern economy.
This huge change that happened in the short span of 50 years left many Greenlanders with a certain philosophical confusion and indefinable feeling of loss. Many youth were left unsure of their identity and what they wanted to do with their lives. This has culminated into the social problems of suicide, teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug abuse. |
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| Big concrete blocks of housing units marked Nuuk town |
As well as this, in present society more women than men gain a higher education. Hence men feel an added pressure to attend university and reclaim the role of 'hunter and gatherer'.
Regardless of these issues, and despite its tiny population, Inuit youth have achieved international recognition as singers and actors. Many are part of home grown bands, as music is a binding force for the Inuits. The youth also run a television station, a vital forum for debates, discussions and dissemination of information. A few are active in Parliament.
Peace Boat participants also met with The Inuit Circumpolar Council (???) to learn about the effects of global warming in the region. Also known as the Arctic Council, the ICC is an international organization representing the approximately 160000 Inuit living in the Arctic. |
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| Greenlanders were introduced to the traditional Japanese art of origami |
The Arctic region is often considered an early warning system for the planet as its ecosystem is so sensitive. The temperature is already rising at nearly double the rate of the global average. Sea icecaps are melting and it is estimated that the Arctic will be free of most of its summer ice by 2040.
It is still unknown how the warmer weather will affect fish stocks, vegetation and the Arctic animals. Predicting and understanding these changes is the root and immediate priority of all Arctic research.
A further threat to the Arctic are the untapped gas and oil reserves which have long attracted the attention of multinationals keen to stake a claim in the fortune. However drilling and mining have proved hugely damaging to the Arctic environment, leading to negative impacts which are in many instances irreversible. |
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Peace Boat participants were taught the traditional dance of the Inuits, which was first introduced by visiting whale hunters in the 17th century |
In the afternoon, participants were treated to enchanting folk dances by members of the Tupilak Theatre Company. The day's events took place at the Katauq Cultural Centre, Nuuk's finest piece of modern architecture, a sinuous wooden wave edged in glass.
Peace Boat sailed out of Greenland that night, optimistic at having seen an ancient culture still thriving and in control. Although their future in the face of globalization and global warming is still uncertain, the Inuits' unwavering commitment to preserve their land and traditions is a promising sign, and a source of inspiration for all onboard. |
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