In company with the newly established cross-Arctic Indigenous-led initiative, Inuit Nunaat Fund, Birgejupmi researchers Vivi Vold and Naja Dyrendom Graugaard visited a number of Kalaallit organizations and institutions working with different aspects of Indigenous land practices, cultural revitalization and community development in Igaliku, Nanortalik, and Qaqortoq in the southern region of Kalaallit Nunaat. They met with local sheep farmers, hunters, entrepreneurs and other community members, and they engaged in conversations about both the opportunities and challenges involved in shaping sustainable coastal futures in Kujataa.
The trip — including its meetings, conversations, and both local and cross-Arctic exchanges — was deeply inspiring and instrumental in shaping BIRGEJUPMI’s conceptual framework and approach to working with One Health and Indigenous well-being in Kalaallit Nunaat and beyond. These efforts are rooted in the coastal relationalities between Inuit peoples and their lands.
During the trip, the researchers practiced WP3’s methodological engagement with Walking Pedagogy and Sailing Pedagogy, wandering and sailing through the land- and seascapes in Kujataa. Through this research practice, they learned and experienced land and body as co-creators of knowledge and Indigenous well-being.
