Publikationer

Research | Forskning - peer review

This study investigates encounters between sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), humans, and Arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) in West and North Greenland. Using qualitative data from extensive interviews conducted in North Greenlandic, Polar Inuit, and Kalaallisut dialects, as well as a comprehensiv… This study investigates encounters between sled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), humans, and Arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) in West and North Greenland. Using qualitative data from extensive interviews conducted in North Greenlandic, Polar Inuit, and Kalaallisut dialects, as well as a comprehensive review of relevant literature, this research aims to elucidate the spatial, temporal, and situational contexts of these interactions. Early accounts from European and American explorers, and observations made by local residents, complemented by Indigenous Kalaallit and Inughuit oral traditions, reveal the adaptive behaviors of wolves and their significant effects on human activities. Evidence of wolves in Greenland dates back to Saqqaq Culture (2400–1400 BC) and the Norse settlements (985–1450 AD) and continues into contemporary times. Greenlandic myths depict wolves as both feared and respected creatures, highlighting their profound cultural significance. Recent increases in wolf sightings near settlements in Avanersuaq have raised concerns about their impact on local fauna and human safety, prompting wildlife management measures. The study finds that Arctic wolves, humans, and sled dogs have interacted across various regions of North and West Greenland, with these interactions affecting both ecological dynamics and human practices. This research underscores the complex and evolving relationships between sled dogs, humans, and Arctic wolves, advocating for balanced conservation strategies that integrate scientific research with traditional knowledge. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on wildlife management in extreme environments, providing insights into the resilience of wolves and their enduring influence on human communities in the High Arctic and West Greenland. Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Qimuttoqarnermi qimussertarnermilu periutsip oqaluttuarisaanera qanoruna ilisimasaqarfigitigigipput?Assorsuunngitsoq. Qimuttummi atortua pingaarnerpaaq - qamutit - pillugit misissuisoqarpallaarsimanngilaq. Taamaammat itsarnisarsiooq aamma Ilisimatusarfimmi Københavns Universitetimilu ph.d.-mut ilinn… Qimuttoqarnermi qimussertarnermilu periutsip oqaluttuarisaanera qanoruna ilisimasaqarfigitigigipput?Assorsuunngitsoq. Qimuttummi atortua pingaarnerpaaq - qamutit - pillugit misissuisoqarpallaarsimanngilaq. Taamaammat itsarnisarsiooq aamma Ilisimatusarfimmi Københavns Universitetimilu ph.d.-mut ilinniartoq, Emma Vitale,qamutit oqaluttuarisaanerilu misissorniarlugit aalajangersimavoq. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

This study explores the purposeful interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves in Avanersuaq, North Greenland. The paper is based on qualitative data gathered during extensive interviews using North Greenlandic/Polar Inuit dialects and Kalaallisut in North and West Greenland and from rele… This study explores the purposeful interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves in Avanersuaq, North Greenland. The paper is based on qualitative data gathered during extensive interviews using North Greenlandic/Polar Inuit dialects and Kalaallisut in North and West Greenland and from relevant literature on the relationships between dog sled driver, sled dog, and Arctic wolf, including genetic studies of Greenland sled dogs. The intent of the study is to understand the human practice of interbreeding sled dogs and wolves in Greenland. Among Greenlanders, it is widely believed that the Greenland sled dog and the Arctic wolf once mated and have had offspring, and that these hybrids have been transformed into Greenland sled dogs. Somehow, today’s storytelling of the wolf-dog is taking the shape of a myth. The question remains: If it did happen, how did it begin and how did it end, and what is the truth behind the story? We thus take a qualitative approach to investigating this phenomenon of the interbreeding of Greenland sled dogs and Arctic wolves. Results show that the Arctic wolf and the Greenland sled dog have indeed crossed paths and have been purposefully interbred, which has resulted in documented cases of wolf-dogs in the sled dog communities of North Greenland. Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Fagbog bl.a. til skolebrug - lærervejledning medfølger.

Communication | Formidling

"QIMMEQ - The Greenland Sled Dog" is a tribute in text and images to a unique dog breed and the people surrounding it. The book combines results from scientific studies with traditional knowledge of the dog in an aesthetically beautiful expression. The book is richly illustrated by award-winning pho… "QIMMEQ - The Greenland Sled Dog" is a tribute in text and images to a unique dog breed and the people surrounding it. The book combines results from scientific studies with traditional knowledge of the dog in an aesthetically beautiful expression. The book is richly illustrated by award-winning photographer Carsten Egevang's black and white photos. In an intriguing layout, the sled dog is portrayed, the special bond between musher and the dogs as well as the dog's functions in today's Greenland is documented - all with the magnificent Greenlandic scenery as background. Læs mere