3j in Greenland 2024

When the students from 3J arrived in Greenland at the beginning of September, it was a cultural encounter that offered both fantastic nature experiences and touching stories from Greenlanders who shared what it has been like growing up in the aftermath of colonialism.

The first stop was Kangerlussuaq, where a somewhat strenuous trip to the ice cap awaited. After an overnight stay at Kangerlussuaq International Science Support, the journey continued to Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town.

Sisimiut is a town with a population of just under 6,000, but this did not limit the warmth of the welcome when visiting the local high school, GUX. There was participation in classes as well as a guided tour of the town led by the students.

Additionally, Sisimiut offered fantastic nature experiences, as the 3rd-year students ventured into the Greenlandic wilderness on a 21 km hike, crossing rivers and navigating through deep snow.

The prelude to this was a steep climb to a scenic viewpoint at the top of Præstefjeldet. It was a challenging but beautiful trek.

At the local museum, the museum director discussed the shift in focus from colonial history to the small stories of the local community, emphasizing Inuit culture.

A drum dancer performed traditional dances and spoke about the contrast between growing up in a society influenced by Danish values and the desire to practice spiritual rituals from before the arrival of Christianity in Greenland.

On the last day, the highlight was a boat trip to an abandoned settlement on an island off the coast of Sisimiut, later surpassed by an incredible northern lights display, which provided a stunning conclusion to an immensely exciting and educational trip.