An introduction The East Greenlanders’ uniqueness from the rest of the country is clearly reflected in the language and culture of the region. The language of East Greenland is substantially different from that of West Greenland both in its pronunciation and its vocabulary.
Strong culturel roots During a period of only 110 years the East Greenlandic Inuit have faced many changes, going from a life in total isolation to being a part of the rest of the world. Satellite TV, Internet, fast food and fashion trends are having a visible influence on life here – like anywhere else. Isn’t this going to destroy the East Greenlandic Inuit culture? We think not. The cultural roots are deep and strong. In few places, if any, has mankind endured more hardship, a more hostile environment and a fiercer competition from nature simply to survive. The nature of East Greenland has created one of the most specialised hunting cultures in the world, the Ammassalik culture, which in many ways differs from the rest of Greenland. Ittoqqortoormiit was founded in 1925 and its first inhabitants were from Ammassalik. They brought their culture and traditions with them.Much has changed, and a lot of modern amenities have become part of the daily life in Ittoqqortoormiit. However, in many ways nature still determines living conditions. The knowledge and the proper use of old hunting methods are still the foundation of the survival for many families. A hunter can have all the modern equipment at his disposal, but if he doesn’t understand the nature he’ll come home empty handed at the end of the day all the same.
Fishing and Hunting The main occupation for many people here is still hunting, where seal, musc ox, narwhale and polar bear are the primary sources of food and income. Old traditions associated with the division of the catch are still observed in East Greenland. For example, the skin of the polar bear is given to the person who first sighted the animal rather than the hunter who actually killed it, who will get the scull, some ribs and one of the behind legs. Once a year during early summer large numbers of arctic char (a trout like fish) appear near the coast where melting water from the surrounding mountains rush into the fjord. For less than two months they feed here and before the ice comes again, they swim back into the freshwater lakes. During this short period the hunters and others will set out their nets to catch the very delicious fish.
Test your knowledge on East Greenlandic culture and history here. (Greenlandic and Danish site)
