Arctic Without Borders

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

Arctic Without Borders is an attempt of a citizen diplomacy to promote peace, humanity, art, exploration and preservation of cultural heritage throughout the Arctic.

Arctic Without Borders

 

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.”

Arctic Without Borders

“Our voices stayed unheard in the big capitals where crucial decisions regarding our land and sea resources and our ways of life were made.”

Arctic Without Borders

“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

Arctic Without Borders connects people to people on the interpersonal level.

Arctic Without Borders

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.

Arctic Without Borders

We believe that Arctic people should discuss their problems freely, openly and without borders, both bureaucratical or virtual.

Arctic Without Borders

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!

Arctic Without Borders

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!

Arctic Without Borders

We are constantly told to believe that the Earth is flat – but it’s not flat!

Arctic Without Borders

And then you will suddenly see that Yakutia in Siberia is closer to Greenland than to any other place on Earth!

Arctic Without Borders

 

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

Arctic Without Borders is traveling from one small settlement to another one. We go by dogsled, by reindeer, by horse and sometimes by foot.

Arctic Without Borders

We meet new friends.

Arctic Without Borders

We talk to the children.

Arctic Without Borders

And we create new things that have never existed before.

Arctic Without Borders

It all started in Qaanaaq but then it went all around the globe – just because the world is not flat!

Arctic Without Borders

Arctic Without Borders is a life-time journey. And you are welcome to join us on the road!

Arctic Without Borders