About Avannaa

Uummannaq Polar Institute boat expedition will travel to the land that is invisible to most of the people. Our expedition is Avannaa. Our destination is Avannaa. Unlike most travelers from the West, Greenlanders do not travel to win, to conquer, to make a statement or to proclaim superiority. They travel because it is their style of life. And Avannaa is no exception. From the Heart of the Arctic, Uummannaq, we will sail towards another Uummannaq in Thule Land, to Qaannaaq, Siorapaluk and Etah – exactly like we did many times in the past. The only difference is that now we will try to go further.

There is no plot or fixed idea about the outcome of this expedition. There is no pre-approved scenario. Because what kind of scenario can one have in Bliss Bay? Or certainly, one can have a scenario, but then there would be always some one else with a better scenario for you. Instead, we will stay faithful to an old Greenlandic principle – wander, accept and adapt. And we will be doing just that – no matter what happens.

On our way, we will observe and film rock and soil, earth and ice, water and sky, wind and currents, wildflowers and ancient lichens, polar bears and arctic butterflies, foxes and ravens, people, walruses and phytoplankton that too has to adopt to abrupt changes – often with little success. We will talk to our old friends who live in the world’s northernmost settlements and will find out what they think about changes in hunting, cooking, shelter and ceremonials. But to no extent will we judge, or make conclusions or assumptions. We will leave it those who are fit to do that type of work.

We will do all that because we would like to make sure that the voices of the northernmost people and animals inhabiting Avannaa are heard. We invite you to join us in this journey virtually – please, feel free to connect and ask questions. Our satellite phone will work … until it stops. Qujanarujusuaq tamaasa! – Thank you, one and all!