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“The world should understand how Inuit live with polar bears”

 

– Iola Metuq, Inukjuak

Have a polar bear story to share?

Whether it's an observation, experience, memory, or feeling about polar bears, we'd love to hear it!

"Nanuk Narratives" is an Inuit-led docuseries of short videos that delves into the deep and enduring relationship among Inuit and polar bears (nanuk) in and around the Davis Strait. The series highlights an array of lived experiences with polar bears, including long-time polar bear hunters, Elders, cooks, and youth across Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Greenland. These videos explore a diversity of topics, including Inuit observations of bear abundance and health, human-bear encounters and safety, tracking and hunting bears, cooking and eating bears, the cultural and emotional connections to bears, and Inuit recommendations for polar bear management. As a wildlife co-management-led film production, this initiative represents a unique collaboration among the Torngat Wildlife & Plants Co-Management Board, the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, as well as the Anguvigaq in Nunavik, and the Pangnirtung Hunter’s and Trappers Association.

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Nanuk Video Series

20+ videos about Inuit knowledge and experiences with polar bears across the Davis Strait range. Hear from hunters, Elders, cooks, youth, and others about their interactions with nanuk!

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Online, Open Access Course

We designed a free, online course for learners who are interested in exploring Inuit Knowledge of polar bears in more depth. The course includes multiple modules, reflection questions, key takeaways, and videos!

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Nanuk, Nanuq, Nanoq, Nanuit...

The word "nanuk" — meaning polar bear — is expressed in various ways across different Inuit dialects and regions. For example, in some areas, it may be pronounced as "nanuq" or "nanoq", reflecting the rich linguistic diversity within Inuit communities across the Arctic.  

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