THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTH
Supporting local communities
The People of the North
“Helping communities develop resources for tourism is important to us,” says Lyndsey Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For instance, Quark Expeditions has supported the efforts of the town of Qaanaaq in northwest Greenland to develop infrastructure that supports visits by small expedition ships. Our guests, who give generously through our on-board auctions, support a wide range of organizations and not-for- profit groups unrelated to the tourism industry." Ittoqqortoormiit Museum Refurbishment Guests support the community of Ittoqqortoormiit as they work to restore and modernize their local museum, to translate the sense of place and cultural identity of Ittoqqortoormiit. Ilisaqsivik Society This not-for-profit offers a wide range of culturally- based programs that support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of all community residents from infants to elders. Pond Inlet Elders Tea A weekly community-led gathering for elders who come together to socialize, enjoy tea and country food (char, seal, whale and caribou), and participate in other activities. Mittima Food Bank This program puts healthy meals on the tables of families in need. The Mittima Food Bank, based in Pond Inlet, provides a grocery drop to over 400 families every two weeks. Pirurvik Preschool The Pirurvik Preschool in Pond Inlet provides early childhood education based on the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles, and reflects traditional Inunnguiniq educational practices.
Whenever we venture to the remote Arctic, we are ever mindful that we’re visiting lands inhabited by Indigenous peoples who have thrived in these domains long before Europeans set out to explore new territories. Honoring Indigenous heritage. For centuries, Indigenous peoples, such as the Inuit, have hunted, fished, nurtured their cultural traditions and co-existed with the wildlife in Nunavut (Canadian Arctic) and remote Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). Whether we’re visiting a community, hiking the tundra, or Zodiac cruising a fjord in Nunavut on itineraries such as Arctic Express Canada: The Heart of the Northwest Passage, we recognize we are visitors to the Nunavummiut homeland. Nunavut, in the Inukitut language, means “our land.” Similarly, when we set foot on the Greenland Ice Sheet, visit a historic Thule site, view traditional qajaq
(kayak) demonstrations, or savor local food on a community visit, we are doing so on the homeland of the Greenlandic Inuit, or Kalaaliit. Their land is known as Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning “The Land of the People.” Working in partnership with local communities. As outlined in our sustainability strategy, respect for local people, their culture and traditions is our guiding principle when we plan community visits for our guests.
“Sometimes that respect manifests in the simple things,” says Lyndsey
Lewis, Head of Sustainability for Quark Expeditions. “For example, we always book community visits early—never at the last minute—and our team always deals directly with the community or locally-based operators. We also ensure that we understand how local residents would like to share their community, traditions and culture with us,” says Lewis. “We feel quite strongly that the community should decide what activities they would like to offer, whether it’s a sports game between guests, expedition team and local residents, or storytelling or a culinary experience.” To the people of the North: For inviting us into your homes, for giving us the opportunity to experience the beauty of your lands and your rich culture, we say Nakurmiik. Qujannamiik. Matna. Qujanaq. Thank you.”
For itineraries that celebrate the Indigenous culture of Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, see pages 30–41.
Explore culturally-rich Arctic communities in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.
10 Call a Quark Polar Travel Advisor at 1.888.979.2061 or your Travel Professional
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for detailed itineraries 11
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