The Inuit of Igloolik have an intimate knowledge of the territory that surrounds them. Moving safely through this region requires the knowledge and experience of generations of travelers. The boundaries of the community are not defined by the boundaries of the town. Instead, the sense of belonging is gained through the shared knowledge of the territory that is constantly traveled.
Inuit knowledge of the ice, in particular the terminology of sea ice, formations, and processes, provides valuable insights into the processes of ice formation and breakup in these communities. Local ice terminology constitutes a set of structured terms passed down from generation to generation describing a dynamic environment that has always been in a state of change. However, the transmission of this knowledge to younger generations appears to be challenged and perhaps hindered by a number of other changes going on within many Inuit communities.
The outpost collects their language, fading perspectives, and cultural heritage. The archive center explores the ways indigenous communities perceive space, navigate in space, move and dwell, and entertain relations with that what surrounds them. The pre-settlement way of life continues to be a vital part of the region’s identity, shaping their connection to the land and its use.
