fixing a hole

Fixing a hole, but this hole is to be kept open rather than patched shut. The life of a fisherman in Greenland is a winter and spring spent on the ice, spending days in a self constructed hut on the frozen sea where ‘the fish are many’. Ice fishing, hunting and dog sledding blend together as the man’s role in society no matter the weather or time of year. Traditionally it was the only way to provide for their families, hungry dogs and larger community. Now, many different foods and clothing are imported, and the hunting culture borders at the end of its time. In an attempt to capture ice fishing before the season is over, we found an uncle and nephew fishing in three different holes upon the sea ice. With two wooden huts, three sleds and over twenty one dogs, we spent the day talking with the half Danish/half Greenlandic nephew. Having lived his teenage years in Denmark, he remarks “When I am here, I miss Denmark, when I am there, I miss Greenland.” Learning how to fish from his uncle, he shares his hope for the future generations, “I don’t think the culture is dying. Its a personal choice, each person must choose for themselves how they want to live their life. Some stay in town and just drink or work, but that is not for me.” A brutal but rewarding lifestyle, the hunting and fishing culture is an integral part of Inuit customs. As the modern world continues to wash away their traditions, the fate of this historic way of life remains in question.