Research | Forskning - peer review

Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Green-land). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucialaspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the… Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Green-land). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucialaspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the region. However, the hunting culture associated with nanorriutit faces significantchallenges due to the contemporary lifestyle, urbanization and impacts of climate change, which are deteriorating the tradi-tional hunting grounds. This study aims to examine the evolving role of nanorriutit in polar bear hunting practices and thebroader cultural context of Avanersuaq. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through fourteen semi-structuredinterviews with thirteen knowledge holders from the settlement of Savissivik and the town of Qaanaaq, conducted in Inuktunand kalaallisut. The findings illustrate both the enduring significance of nanorriutit, and the adaptations required in responseto changing environmental conditions. This research contributes to the understanding of how the contemporary lifestyles andclimate change is influencing Inughuit hunting practices and emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable cultural traditionamidst a rapidly transforming Arctic urbanization and environment. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

The Qimmeq (Greenland sled dog) has worked continuously with the Inuit in Greenland for more than 800 years. However, they now face drastic population declines caused by climate change, urbanization, and competition from snowmobiles. This study sequenced 92 modern and ancient genomes to investigate… The Qimmeq (Greenland sled dog) has worked continuously with the Inuit in Greenland for more than 800 years. However, they now face drastic population declines caused by climate change, urbanization, and competition from snowmobiles. This study sequenced 92 modern and ancient genomes to investigate how centuries of isolation shaped the regional Qimmeq populations and the impact of European contact. We found distinct regional populations and evidence for two migrations of dogs into Greenland with the Inuit from Canada. Furthermore, we found that there is minimal European ancestry in present day Qimmit and limited recent inbreeding despite low heterozygosity. These insights are critical for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the Qimmit amid environmental changes and cultural transitions. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

In northern and western Greenland, human–qimmeq (Greenlandic sled dog, Canis lupus familiaris) relationships are evolving rapidly amid profound environmental and social change. Although the number of sled dog teams is declining, qimmit continue to play a vital role in Inuit and Kalaallit life—not on… In northern and western Greenland, human–qimmeq (Greenlandic sled dog, Canis lupus familiaris) relationships are evolving rapidly amid profound environmental and social change. Although the number of sled dog teams is declining, qimmit continue to play a vital role in Inuit and Kalaallit life—not only as working animals but as active participants in practices of knowledge sharing, care, and identity formation. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with hunters (piniartut), mushers, and cultural knowledge bearers, this article explores the contemporary roles of qimmit within Greenlandic society. It examines how these relationships support intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and belonging, while also negotiating tensions between lived practices and formal heritage frameworks. Situating qimmit within critical discussions of living heritage and human–animal relations, the article argues that qimmit are not merely cultural symbols, but relational beings embedded in adaptive, negotiated, and resilient practices central to Inuit and Kalaallit life. Read more

Research | Forskning

Langs iskanten og på gammel havis i Avanersuaq jager slædehunde (qimmit) og fangere (piniartut) fortsat side om side i en af de mest krævende jagtformer i Arktis – nanoqfangst. Denne artikel tager læseren med ind i det tætte samarbejde mellem menneske og hund, hvor nanorriutit – specialtrænede isbjø… Langs iskanten og på gammel havis i Avanersuaq jager slædehunde (qimmit) og fangere (piniartut) fortsat side om side i en af de mest krævende jagtformer i Arktis – nanoqfangst. Denne artikel tager læseren med ind i det tætte samarbejde mellem menneske og hund, hvor nanorriutit – specialtrænede isbjørnehunde – udgør kernen i Inughuit-fangstkulturen. Gennem mit feltarbejde og samtaler med traditionsbærere i Qaanaaq og Savissivik undersøger jeg, hvordan disse hunde opdrages og trænes. Samtidig ser jeg på, hvordan klimaforandringer og samfundsudvikling udfordrer denne dybt rodfæstede praksis. Artiklen viser, at nanorriutit er langt mere end fangstredskaber – de er bærere af både viden, vilje og værdighed. Read more

Research | Forskning

I Grønland, hvor klimaet er barskt og livsbetingelserne ekstreme, har mennesket i århundreder tilpasset sig naturens ressourcer for at overleve. En særlig fortælling om dette samspil omhandler hybridiseringen mellem slædehunde og ulve. Denne proces har givet Grønlands befolkning et af verdens mest h… I Grønland, hvor klimaet er barskt og livsbetingelserne ekstreme, har mennesket i århundreder tilpasset sig naturens ressourcer for at overleve. En særlig fortælling om dette samspil omhandler hybridiseringen mellem slædehunde og ulve. Denne proces har givet Grønlands befolkning et af verdens mest hårdføre dyr: ulvehunden. Gennem kombinationen af genetiske studier og kulturhistoriske beretninger får vi et nuanceret indblik i, hvordan ulvehundens udvikling har spillet en central rolle i Grønlands kulturhistorie og fangsttraditioner. Read more

Research | Forskning

The essay examines the unique and complex role of sled dogs, known as qimmeq (singular, plural: qimmit), in Greenlandic culture, particularly in the context of polar bear hunting. Focusing on the artworks of Jacob Danielsen (1888-1938), a Greenlandic hunter and self-taught artist, and Harald Moltke… The essay examines the unique and complex role of sled dogs, known as qimmeq (singular, plural: qimmit), in Greenlandic culture, particularly in the context of polar bear hunting. Focusing on the artworks of Jacob Danielsen (1888-1938), a Greenlandic hunter and self-taught artist, and Harald Moltke (1871-1960), a Danish painter who documented Greenlandic life, it highlights the regional variations and adaptations in hunting practices across Greenland. This exploration serves to contextualize Arctic environments through visual and material culture, illustrating how these artworks offer insights into the human-dog relationship, Inuit resilience, and survival strategies in the challenging Arctic landscape. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This study investigates encounters between sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), humans, and Arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) in West and North Greenland. Using qualitative data from extensive interviews conducted in North Greenlandic, Polar Inuit, and Kalaallisut dialects, as well as a comprehensiv… This study investigates encounters between sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), humans, and Arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) in West and North Greenland. Using qualitative data from extensive interviews conducted in North Greenlandic, Polar Inuit, and Kalaallisut dialects, as well as a comprehensive review of relevant literature, this research aims to elucidate the spatial, temporal, and situational contexts of these interactions. Early accounts from European and American explorers, and observations made by local residents, complemented by Indigenous Kalaallit and Inughuit oral traditions, reveal the adaptive behaviors of wolves and their significant effects on human activities. Evidence of wolves in Greenland dates back to Saqqaq Culture (2400–1400 BC) and the Norse settlements (985–1450 AD) and continues into contemporary times. Greenlandic myths depict wolves as both feared and respected creatures, highlighting their profound cultural significance. Recent increases in wolf sightings near settlements in Avanersuaq have raised concerns about their impact on local fauna and human safety, prompting wildlife management measures. The study finds that Arctic wolves, humans, and sled dogs have interacted across various regions of North and West Greenland, with these interactions affecting both ecological dynamics and human practices. This research underscores the complex and evolving relationships between sled dogs, humans, and Arctic wolves, advocating for balanced conservation strategies that integrate scientific research with traditional knowledge. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on wildlife management in extreme environments, providing insights into the resilience of wolves and their enduring influence on human communities in the High Arctic and West Greenland. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This study explores the purposeful interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves in Avanersuaq, North Greenland. The paper is based on qualitative data gathered during extensive interviews using North Greenlandic/Polar Inuit dialects and Kalaallisut in North and West Greenland and from rele… This study explores the purposeful interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves in Avanersuaq, North Greenland. The paper is based on qualitative data gathered during extensive interviews using North Greenlandic/Polar Inuit dialects and Kalaallisut in North and West Greenland and from relevant literature on the relationships between dog sled driver, sled dog, and Arctic wolf, including genetic studies of Greenland sled dogs. The intent of the study is to understand the human practice of interbreeding sled dogs and wolves in Greenland. Among Greenlanders, it is widely believed that the Greenland sled dog and the Arctic wolf once mated and have had offspring, and that these hybrids have been transformed into Greenland sled dogs. Somehow, today’s storytelling of the wolf-dog is taking the shape of a myth. The question remains: If it did happen, how did it begin and how did it end, and what is the truth behind the story? We thus take a qualitative approach to investigating this phenomenon of the interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves. Results show that the Arctic wolf and the Greenland sled dog have indeed crossed paths and have been purposefully interbred, which has resulted in documented cases of wolf-dogs in the sled dog communities of North Greenland. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Although Greenland is a hub for climate science, the climate perceptions of Greenland’s predominantly Indigenous population have remained largely unstudied. Here we present two nationally representative surveys and show that Greenlanders are more likely than residents of top oil-producing Arctic cou… Although Greenland is a hub for climate science, the climate perceptions of Greenland’s predominantly Indigenous population have remained largely unstudied. Here we present two nationally representative surveys and show that Greenlanders are more likely than residents of top oil-producing Arctic countries to perceive that climate change is happening and about twice as likely to have personally experienced its effects. However, half are unaware that climate change is human-caused and those who are most affected appear to be least aware. Personal experience and awareness of human-induced climate change diverge along an Inuit cultural dimension. Indigenous identity positively predicts climate change experience, whereas subsistence occupation and no post-primary education negatively predict attribution beliefs. Despite Greenland’s centrality to climate research, we uncover a gap between the scientific consensus and Kalaallit views of climate change, particularly among youth. This science–society gulf has implications for local climate adaptation, science communication and knowledge exchange between generations, institutions and communities. Read more

Communication | Formidling

"QIMMEQ - The Greenland Sled Dog" is a tribute in text and images to a unique dog breed and the people surrounding it. The book combines results from scientific studies with traditional knowledge of the dog in an aesthetically beautiful expression. The book is richly illustrated by award-winning pho… "QIMMEQ - The Greenland Sled Dog" is a tribute in text and images to a unique dog breed and the people surrounding it. The book combines results from scientific studies with traditional knowledge of the dog in an aesthetically beautiful expression. The book is richly illustrated by award-winning photographer Carsten Egevang's black and white photos. In an intriguing layout, the sled dog is portrayed, the special bond between musher and the dogs as well as the dog's functions in today's Greenland is documented - all with the magnificent Greenlandic scenery as background. Read more