Hope For the Arctic

💚 We are so thankful you have continued through the hard times, the good times, and all the unpredictable moments in between. We love you, no strings attached. 💙 If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help: In #Nunavut, reach the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line 24/7 at 1-800-265-3333 or 867-979-3333. Talk Suicide #Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET). Hope For Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 (phone, available in Inuktitut, Cree, and Ojibway upon request). Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counseling: https://kidshelpphone.ca/ --- Føler du dig alene og har brug for nogen at tale med? Du er ikke alene. De fleste mennesker har behov for at blive lyttet til i perioder, hvor livet eller en situation opleves som så svær, at de ikke kan magte den alene. Vi har tid til at lytte. Tusaanngas rådgivere lytter og kan hjælpe dig med at få sat ord på dine udfordringer. De kan også give dig redskaber til, hvordan du kan håndtere svære omstændigheder i dit liv. Telefonrådgivning er en anonym personlig samtale mellem dig og en rådgiver hvor du bestemmer indholdet af samtalen. Alle børn, unge og voksne, som har brug for at tale eller skrive med nogen kan kontakte Tusaannga. Det er anonymt og gratis at kontakte Tusaannga - du kan også ringe eller skrive selvom du ikke har mere Tusass. Telefon: 80 11 80 SMS: 18 99 https://bit.ly/Tusaannga --- Help in #Alaska: If you are in need of support, you can call, text, or chat with 988. Available 24/7. 988 ensures that all people have access to the support and resources reflective of their own needs.

🌟 Honoring Laura Mae Bergt: A Trailblazer for Native Alaskan Rights 🌟 Laura Mae Bergt was a distinguished Iñupiaq leader, politician, and activist whose work left an enduring impact on the rights and sovereignty of Alaska Natives. Born in Candle, Alaska, she grew up in Kotzebue and quickly rose to prominence in both state and federal leadership roles. Bergt was instrumental in advocating for the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, which remains one of the largest land claims settlements in U.S. history. Through her work on the National Council on Indian Opportunity, she collaborated with key figures like President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew, ensuring that Alaska Natives secured land and resources vital to their survival and cultural continuity. Bergt's commitment to her people went beyond policy. She served in influential roles such as secretary of the Alaska Federation of Natives, president of the Tundra Times, and chair of the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics. She championed healthcare, education, and housing improvements, particularly in rural areas where these services were often lacking. A gold medalist in the traditional Inuit blanket toss, Bergt was not only a leader but also a celebrated athlete. Her advocacy for Native self-determination and her role in establishing Native corporations under ANCSA allowed Alaska Natives to manage their own economic future and preserve their heritage. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Bergt was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame and served on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, among many other prestigious appointments. Laura Mae Bergt’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Alaska Native leaders, and her tireless efforts in securing Indigenous rights and resources have shaped the future of Alaska. Learn more about her extraordinary life and achievements: Wikipedia https://vist.ly/3mjnu3c Alaska Women's Hall of Fame https://vist.ly/3mjnu3a Bureau of Indian Affairs https://vist.ly/3mjnu39

We are so glad you are here today. 💙

Gerri Sharpe, as President of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, made significant strides in advocating for the rights and well-being of Inuit women. During her tenure, she focused on key issues such as gender-based violence, food insecurity, and the need for better access to midwifery and healthcare services in Inuit communities. Many of these challenges are rooted in the lasting impacts of colonization, which disrupted traditional ways of life and left Inuit communities facing systemic inequities. Under her leadership, Pauktuutit pushed for more shelters and support for Inuit women facing domestic violence, which led to tangible actions such as the establishment of new shelters in Nunavut and across Inuit Nunangat. One of Sharpe's notable accomplishments was her involvement in international advocacy. She represented Pauktuutit at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, where she spoke about the challenges faced by Inuit women in Canada's resource extraction industries. These industries, often a product of colonial exploitation of Inuit lands, have been linked to high rates of violence and sexual harassment against Inuit women. Sharpe's advocacy shone a light on the connection between resource extraction and the vulnerability of Inuit women, making it clear that their rights must be protected in these contexts. Additionally, Sharpe fostered cross-cultural exchanges by engaging with Māori leaders in New Zealand, demonstrating her commitment to global Indigenous solidarity. This collaboration highlighted the shared experiences of Indigenous peoples around the world, particularly the impact of colonization on women’s safety and rights. Sharpe also emphasized the importance of Inuit women's leadership, pushing for their voices to be heard at both national and international levels. Her vision for Pauktuutit was centered on ensuring that Inuit women, regardless of their location, have equal access to opportunities, culturally appropriate services, and platforms to advocate for their rights. By reclaiming leadership and advocating for their communities, Sharpe and Inuit women continue to resist the colonial systems that have historically marginalized them, creating space for healing and empowerment. Sources: https://vist.ly/3mhs7f8 https://vist.ly/3mhs7fg https://vist.ly/3mhs7fd

Bernadette Dean is an Inuit knowledge keeper, advocate, and artist originally from Coral Harbour, Nunavut. She has dedicated her life to preserving Inuit cultural traditions, particularly through her expertise in making traditional Inuit clothing from caribou and sealskin. Dean emphasizes the importance of passing down these skills to younger generations to maintain the Inuit way of life, as these garments were essential for survival in the harsh Arctic environment. Dean’s personal history is deeply intertwined with the Inuit experience of colonial trauma, including her time attending Akaitcho Hall, a residential school in Yellowknife. These schools were part of the broader colonial effort to erase Indigenous cultures and identities, separating children from their families and communities. Bernadette has shared powerful stories of her and her family's experiences with the residential school system, highlighting the emotional and psychological scars left behind. She recalls the discrimination she faced, the forced separation from her family, and the long-lasting effects this has had on her ability to form close attachments. Bernadette’s advocacy for truth and reconciliation is deeply tied to her own healing journey. She actively supports the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action, recognizing them as essential steps toward healing for future generations and addressing the harms of colonization. In addition to her cultural preservation work, Bernadette co-produced the documentary Inuit Piqutingit (What Belongs to Inuit), which focuses on the importance of Inuit artifacts and cultural heritage. Her efforts in cultural diplomacy include a significant visit to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where she and other Inuit women examined traditional clothing artifacts. During this visit, Bernadette connected deeply with her heritage, especially after discovering that her great-grandmother had made clothing for American whalers in the early 1900s. This moment served as a profound reminder of the strength and creativity of Inuit women throughout history, even as they faced the pressures of colonization. Bernadette’s life’s work represents resilience, cultural revival, and advocacy for Inuit and Indigenous rights across Canada. Her dedication to passing down traditional knowledge is a form of cultural resistance against the forces of colonization, ensuring that future generations of Inuit continue to thrive in their identity and heritage. Sources: https://lnkd.in/eSEF9ct7 https://vist.ly/3mh7qtf

Ruth Kaviok, an #Inuk from Arviat, #Nunavut, has been a powerful advocate for #Inuit youth, culture, and mental health. At 19, she was elected president of the National Inuit Youth Council (NIYC), where her primary focus was on suicide prevention, a deeply personal issue for her. Growing up in a community affected by high suicide rates, Ruth participated in suicide awareness initiatives and made it a top priority for NIYC’s strategic planning. Under her #leadership, the council also prioritized education, mental health, language preservation, and cultural revitalization. Ruth's journey as a leader has been deeply shaped by her experience learning about her Inuit heritage and the lasting impact of colonization. During her studies at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, she gained a deeper understanding of Inuit history, particularly the trauma caused by residential schools. These schools, part of the colonial effort to erase Indigenous cultures, left deep scars on Inuit communities. This knowledge helped Ruth reconnect with her own family, especially her father, who had experienced the impacts of colonization firsthand. #Colonization has not only harmed generations of Inuit through cultural erasure and systemic oppression, but it continues to affect mental health and identity in Inuit communities today. Ruth emphasizes the importance of youth knowing their history, understanding their identity, and using that knowledge to create a better future. Her work reflects a powerful response to the lasting effects of colonization as Inuit youth reclaim their #heritage and seek healing for their communities. Ruth’s leadership is a testament to the strength and resilience of Inuit women and youth in the face of #colonial trauma. She continues to inspire others to stand up for mental health, cultural preservation, and the well-being of future generations. Source: https://vist.ly/3mgmmq5

Feel like you've failed or someone has failed you? You're not alone. --- Voel je alsof je gefaald hebt of dat iemand je in de steek heeft gelaten? Je bent niet alleen. --- 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: #Canada: 1-833-456-4566 / Text 45645 #Greenland: Tusaannga: 80 11 80 / SMS: 1899 #Iceland: Rauđi Krossinn Helpline: 1717 #Norway: +4781533300 #Finland: MIELI Crisis Helpline: 09 2525 0113 (Arabic and English) OR 09 2525 0111 (#Finnish) OR 09 2525 0112 (Swedish) #Denmark: Livslinien #Hotline: +45 70 201 201 #Sweden: Självmordslinjen (Suicide prevention hotline): 90101 #Russia: Suicide Helpline: (495) 625 3101 #Faroe Islands: Red Cross Line: 1818 #USA: 1-800-273-8255 #Alaska: 1-877-266-4357

A devastating fire has destroyed the only Co-op in Whale Cove, #Nunavut, leaving 500 residents without essential supplies like food, fuel, and more. The community is facing a critical situation, and we’re gathering all the details on how to help. Stay tuned for updates and ways to support our friends in Whale Cove. (Photos used with permission from Joefrey Okalik.) #SupportWhaleCove #WhaleCove #Nunavut #WhaleCoveNunavut Full story here: https://lnkd.in/e9ENK8BD

🌟 Celebrating Ada Blackjack: A Heroic Woman of the Arctic 🌟 Ada Blackjack’s story is one of remarkable strength and resilience. In 1921, she joined an expedition to Wrangel Island, a remote and harsh land in the Arctic Ocean, north of Siberia. Hired as a seamstress, Ada was the only Indigenous member of an expedition led by white explorers—a common practice during a time when Indigenous peoples were often brought into dangerous ventures without proper recognition or concern for their well-being. When the expedition went disastrously wrong, Ada found herself alone on the island, one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Despite having little survival training, she adapted to the brutal Arctic conditions. She learned to hunt and trap Arctic foxes and birds, even managing to shoot a seal for essential food and materials. Ada also maintained and improved the shelter, keeping the stove going with whatever fuel she could find, which was crucial for warmth and cooking. Perhaps most impressively, Ada maintained her mental strength, showing incredible determination and willpower in complete isolation. She kept a diary, documenting her thoughts and experiences, which reflected her hope and resolve to survive. Colonization often involved the exploitation and marginalization of Indigenous peoples, including the Inuit, who were frequently taken advantage of by outsiders for their knowledge and skills without proper recognition or respect. Inuit individuals like Ada Blackjack were sometimes drawn into dangerous expeditions or exploited for the benefit of explorers, often enduring great hardship while their contributions went largely unrecognized. After her rescue, Ada returned to Alaska, where she lived quietly, carrying the weight of her experience. In 1937, Harper’s Magazine called her “the female Robinson Crusoe,” a title that highlights her solitary survival but fails to capture the full significance of her resilience as an Inuit woman and the colonial dynamics that placed her in such a perilous situation. Ada Blackjack’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Indigenous women, as well as a reflection on the broader impacts of colonization. Her story inspires us to believe that even in the most challenging situations, survival is possible through determination and willpower. Let’s honor Ada today by remembering the incredible journey she undertook and the spirit she embodies. 🌬️❄️

Tookoolito "Hannah" (1838-1876) was an #Inuk translator and guide from near Cumberland Sound, #Nunavut. Alongside her husband, Ebierbing, she played a vital role in Arctic exploration, guiding explorers like Charles Francis Hall. However, her story is also a poignant reminder of the impact of colonization and cultural appropriation on Indigenous peoples. Tookoolito and Ebierbing were taken to England and the U.S., where they were exhibited as “exotic” spectacles—objects of curiosity for the public, including Queen Victoria. This treatment reflects the broader colonial practice of exploiting Indigenous peoples and their cultures for entertainment and profit, stripping them of their dignity and agency. Queen Victoria journaled of their visit: "They are my subjects, very curious, & quite different to any of the southern or African tribes, having very flat round faces, with a Mongolian shape of eyes, a fair skin, & jet black hair. They are entirely clothed in skins. The boy is a pretty little, red-cheeked, black-haired thing, 7 years of age, the man 18, and the woman 16...” [Journal of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, 3 February 1854, Royal Archives, Windsor Castle.] Robert Bowser received 25 pounds for his effort to exploit the #Inuit family as zoo animals to the Royal Family. Despite adopting some English customs, Tookoolito remained deeply connected to her Inuit heritage. Her life, marked by the loss of her children and an early death, underscores the harsh realities faced by many Indigenous people during this period. As we feature Tookoolito in our Influential Women series, we remember her for her contributions to exploration and as a symbol of resilience in the face of exploitation.