The Unique Challenges of Living in the Arctic Circle
Dec 12, 2022
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Kawahine Danner, a local Inupiaq artist, discusses the challenges and beauty of living in the Arctic Circle, including high costs, misconceptions, loyalty, and the impact of climate change. They also talk about Danner's experience moving to Hawaii and the influence of social media on native art businesses.
Living in the Arctic Circle presents unique challenges, such as limited accessibility and the presence of polar bears.
Kavahine Danner highlights the importance of authenticity in Native art and the need to uplift and support indigenous artists.
Deep dives
Life in the Arctic Circle
Living in the Arctic Circle presents unique challenges, such as limited accessibility and the presence of polar bears. The town of Utkievik, the northernmost town in the United States, showcases the realities of Arctic living, including high prices for basic goods like food. Despite the harsh climate and isolation, some residents find beauty and connection in the vast tundra and their deep relationship with the ocean.
Reconnecting with Native Culture
Kavahine Danner, a member of the Piac tribe in Utkievik, Alaska, shares her experience growing up in Utkievik and how she reconnected with her Native Hawaiian roots in Hawaii. She reflects on the importance of language, tradition, and the challenges of participating in subsistence activities like whaling. Kavahine also discusses the misconceptions and ethical considerations surrounding subsistence hunting and the need for understanding and respect of indigenous cultures.
Art, Business, and Native Representation
Kavahine discusses her journey as an artist and entrepreneur, using her art to express her cultural identity and address social issues. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in Native art and the need to uplift and support indigenous artists. Kavahine also highlights the role of social media in connecting with a wider audience and combatting cultural appropriation by sharing and promoting the work of other Native artists.
Located in the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik, Alaska is the Northernmost town in America. And even though it’s one of the least habitable places in the U.S., there are plenty of folks who call this place home. This week, host Anne Helen Petersen speaks with Kawahine Danner, a local Inupiaq artist about life in the Arctic Circle. Danner explains the misconceptions about growing up in a remote arctic village, as well as some of the more unique challenges – like insanely expensive grocery store runs, or a polar bear walking through your neighborhood.
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