A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq
Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Greenland). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucial aspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the...
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| Language: | English |
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Canadian Science Publishing
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Arctic Science |
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| Online Access: | https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/as-2024-0066 |
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| author | Manumina Lund Jensen |
| author_facet | Manumina Lund Jensen |
| author_sort | Manumina Lund Jensen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Greenland). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucial aspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the region. However, the hunting culture associated with nanorriutit faces significant challenges due to the contemporary lifestyle, urbanization and impacts of climate change, which are deteriorating the traditional hunting grounds. This study aims to examine the evolving role of nanorriutit in polar bear hunting practices and the broader cultural context of Avanersuaq. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through fourteen semi-structured interviews with thirteen knowledge holders from the settlement of Savissivik and the town of Qaanaaq, conducted in Inuktun and kalaallisut. The findings illustrate both the enduring significance of nanorriutit, and the adaptations required in response to changing environmental conditions. This research contributes to the understanding of how the contemporary lifestyles and climate change is influencing Inughuit hunting practices and emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable cultural tradition amidst a rapidly transforming Arctic urbanization and environment. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e01cacc36e6449f79cd8199d3392325f |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2368-7460 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Canadian Science Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Arctic Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-e01cacc36e6449f79cd8199d3392325f2025-08-20T03:10:42ZengCanadian Science PublishingArctic Science2368-74602025-01-011111310.1139/as-2024-0066A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in AvanersuaqManumina Lund Jensen0Department of Cultural and Social History, Ilisimatusarfik - University of Greenland, Nuussuaq, GreenlandNanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Greenland). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucial aspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the region. However, the hunting culture associated with nanorriutit faces significant challenges due to the contemporary lifestyle, urbanization and impacts of climate change, which are deteriorating the traditional hunting grounds. This study aims to examine the evolving role of nanorriutit in polar bear hunting practices and the broader cultural context of Avanersuaq. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through fourteen semi-structured interviews with thirteen knowledge holders from the settlement of Savissivik and the town of Qaanaaq, conducted in Inuktun and kalaallisut. The findings illustrate both the enduring significance of nanorriutit, and the adaptations required in response to changing environmental conditions. This research contributes to the understanding of how the contemporary lifestyles and climate change is influencing Inughuit hunting practices and emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable cultural tradition amidst a rapidly transforming Arctic urbanization and environment.https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/as-2024-0066nanorriutit Greenland sled dogspolar bear huntingInughuit huntersclimate changeAvanersuaq (North Greenland)Nanorriutit/nanorsiutit |
| spellingShingle | Manumina Lund Jensen A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq Arctic Science nanorriutit Greenland sled dogs polar bear hunting Inughuit hunters climate change Avanersuaq (North Greenland) Nanorriutit/nanorsiutit |
| title | A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq |
| title_full | A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq |
| title_fullStr | A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq |
| title_full_unstemmed | A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq |
| title_short | A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq |
| title_sort | study of nanorriutit polar bear hunting dogs in avanersuaq |
| topic | nanorriutit Greenland sled dogs polar bear hunting Inughuit hunters climate change Avanersuaq (North Greenland) Nanorriutit/nanorsiutit |
| url | https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/as-2024-0066 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT manuminalundjensen astudyofnanorriutitpolarbearhuntingdogsinavanersuaq AT manuminalundjensen studyofnanorriutitpolarbearhuntingdogsinavanersuaq |