Important intergenerational transmission of knowledge in promotion of well-being and cultural identity in Greenland

• Published in: International journal of circumpolar health 2024-12, Vol.83 (1), p.2420479
• Main Authors: Rubin, Sofie Emma, Mørch, Inunnguaq, Olsen, Nuka, Nørtoft, Kamilla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Cultural heritage; Cultural identity; Female; Greenland; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Promotion - organization & administration; Humans; indigenous populations; Intergenerational; Intergenerational Relations - ethnology; knowledge transmission; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Well being
• ISSN: 2242-3982; 1239-9736; 2242-3982
• DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2420479

The "Kinguaariit Inuunerissut" (KI) camps, meaning "generations in well-being" in Greenlandic, was a pilot initiative designed to enhance cultural identity and intergenerational connections through culturally relevant activities. The outcomes of the KI-camps have informed the development of a broader KI-concept aiming at tailoring and implementing elements from KI-camps into early childhood education services, after-school programmes, and schools. In this paper we present the results from three workshop held in January 2024 in Sisimiut, Greenland where 28 older participants and 28 professionals were asked about essential knowledge and skills to be passed down to younger generations. The focus was on songs, storytelling/myths, the spiritual world, animals, plants, skills in nature/home, and handicrafts. Results shows that older people and professionals agree on the importance of passing down cultural knowledge through all the different categories and support the need to integrate these elements into educational programmes to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community cohesion. The findings will guide the integration of intergenerational activities into municipal institutions and contribute to culturally relevant health promotion strategies in Greenland.