Hunting
Hunting has historically played a fundamental role in the cultural and subsistence practices of Inuit communities in Greenland. However, in the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site, the prominence of hunting has evolved due to historical and economic transformations.
Today, Kujataa is home to many sheep farmers, and hunting has transitioned from a necessity for survival to a widespread recreational activity. Despite this shift, hunting remains an integral part of life in the region and is practiced throughout the year, primarily using firearms. Hunters in Kujataa target a variety of species, including seals, musk oxen, Arctic hares, and birds such as ptarmigans and eiders. These animals provide food, fur, and other materials that continue to be valued in local traditions and everyday life.
Traditional hunting techniques continue to be practiced in Kujataa alongside modern methods. One such method is the use of stone traps for catching Arctic foxes, a technique that has been passed down through generations and remains widely used today. These traps, carefully constructed from local stones, are designed to lure and capture foxes efficiently, reflecting the deep knowledge of the environment and sustainable hunting practices developed by Inuit communities. This technique, along with firearm hunting, showcases the coexistence of traditional and modern approaches to hunting in the region.
Hunting is also something that is taught very early to children in Greenlandic culture. From the age of 2 or 3, children join their parents on hunting trips, learning not only practical skills but also cultural traditions. As Aaqqioq Kleist, a sheep farmer, explains: "It’s a pleasure for me to go hunting with my children. I love being outside, showing them how to shoot, which birds or animals to hunt, how to cut the animal, and use every part of it. It’s a way for me to pass down my culture to them."
Additionally, the long history of colonial influence and economic development in southern Greenland has contributed to shifts in traditional hunting practices. Increased accessibility to imported goods and the integration of market-based economies have further reduced the role of hunting as a primary means of subsistence.
Despite these transformations, hunting remains an important cultural practice, reflecting deep-rooted traditions and connections to the land.