5.4
Bridging knowledge systems in Greenland

Did you know?
Indigenous knowledge of sea ice is essential for survival and an integral part of Arctic indigenous culture. Their first-hand experience of living on the ice, knowing sea ice phenomena and changes in the climate can be life-saving for these populations, and also for scientists studying the sea ice.
Greenlanders have a spiritual relationship with animals that they hunt and they use all the resources minimising waste.

Fascinating Facts!
Dog sledges are still a transportation mode in the winter in the Arctic. In the 1970s there were 800 people in Qeqertarsuaq and 2000 dogs- feeding time was noisy.
The arrangement of dogs varies from place to place and is related to the presence of trees (see below).

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Definitions
There are many stories showing the spiritual relationship that Greenlanders have with animals they hunt and the goddess of the sea.
Tourists use the Canadian dog trace system Photo: Niklas Labba
The west Greenland dog trace system is shown in the story and above. The fan system is best on thin snow and sea ice whereas the Canadian system is best on deep snow and in the forest. Photo: Morten Rasch