The initiative Arctic Without Borders was born in the historical town of Qaanaaq, Northern Greenland, whose own existence exemplifies the tragic story of border-building in the Arctic.
Arctic Without Borders is an attempt of a citizen diplomacy to promote peace, humanity, art, exploration and preservation of cultural heritage throughout the Arctic.
Ole Jorgen Hammeken, a co-founder of Arctic Without Borders says: “Historically, indigenous peoples of the Arctic were largely disregarded by national and international policy-makers and scientists who viewed our ancient traditional knowledge as “non-scientific” and our concerns as meaningless.”
“Our voices stayed unheard in the big capitals where crucial decisions regarding our land and sea resources and our ways of life were made.”
“We believe that today, in order to bring hope and change to our struggling settlements, to confront suicide, poverty and despair, we need to join our forces through collaboration and knowledge exchange in circumpolar communities.”
Arctic Without Borders connects people to people on the interpersonal level.
Through expeditions, exhibitions and a network on social media, we connect everyone who is interested in exploration and preservation of Arctic culture and heritage, across the boundaries of race or nationality.
We believe that Arctic people should discuss their problems freely, openly and without borders, both bureaucratical or virtual.
Earth is not flat! If you look at it from “above” – from the North Pole, then suddenly you will see that all of us – Arctic Peoples – are close neighbors!
We are being told that we are separated “by so many time zones and by so many borders…. But it’s not true! In reality – there are none! Ask Atsynga Letykai, a prominent Arctic leader from Chukotka, a connector and a keeper of a tradition!
We are constantly told to believe that the Earth is flat – but it’s not flat!
And then you will suddenly see that Yakutia in Siberia is closer to Greenland than to any other place on Earth!
In the small settlement of Yuchugay, 100 km away from the Pole of Cold, in Siberia, the children of Even reindeer herders celebrated the Week of Greenland. It was -50C outside that morning, but it’s “Normalno” = “Normal” for them. A new cultural bridge from one Arctic region to another one has been built.
Arctic Without Borders is traveling from one small settlement to another one. We go by dogsled, by reindeer, by horse and sometimes by foot.
We meet new friends.
We talk to the children.
And we create new things that have never existed before.
It all started in Qaanaaq but then it went all around the globe – just because the world is not flat!
Arctic Without Borders is a life-time journey. And you are welcome to join us on the road!
