A tribute to the land and nature
The students in the Arctic Future Pathfinders course are getting up close with the local community and Inuit culture in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay). On Tuesday, they experienced drum dancing.
On Tuesday, an open day was held at the research station in Iqaluktuuttiaq (Cambridge Bay), the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). The students in the Arctic Future Pathfinders course had the opportunity to meet several elders from the community, who shared stories about their lives. Additionally, they experienced drum dancing, an important part of Inuit culture.
One of the dancers, Julia Ogina, introduced the performance by reflecting on the significance of the songs and dances they performed:
"These songs are like a window into the lives of my ancestors. When you understand the stories they created, you see their journey and way of life. The songs are not just words but a tribute to the land and the animals that have been the foundation of our existence," says Ogina.
She explains how the songs are often based on stories from hunters who share their experiences after long journeys. These stories become songs that are passed down through generations.
"Each dance and song tell a story – about the journey to the east, south, west, and north. About encounters with people, animals, and the riches of nature. It is a way to understand and respect the world around us," Julia Ogina explains.
More pictures from the event (all photos: Karine Nigar Aarskog / UiT):
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