Shari Fox Gearheard, an Arctic researcher from the University of Colorado Boulder, will present content from her recent book, "The Meaning of Ice: People and Sea Ice in Three Arctic Communities". IC3 is pleased to welcome Shari (BES '96 MES '98) back to campus.
The Arctic region is undergoing profound change, not least in terms of sea ice. In this presentation, we will explore uniquely Inuit, Iñupiat, and Inughuit perspectives on sea ice and what sea ice means to a people and their ancestors who have made a life with it for thousands of years. Through themes such as home, food, freedom, tools, clothing, and the spiritual life of sea ice, and through extensive details offered from diverse Inuit illustrations, maps, artwork, and stories, this presentation will share Inuit knowledge of sea ice and the critical and complex role it plays in their relationships with their environment and with one another.
A long-time Arctic researcher, and also a long-time Arctic resident, Shari will present material from the recent book, “The Meaning of Ice: People and Sea Ice in Three Arctic Communities”, which won the 2014 William Mills Prize for best non-fiction polar book. The presentation will highlight how Inuit provide important understanding not only of the Arctic environment, but of the human place within it and that to truly understand the Arctic, we have to move beyond what ice is, to what ice means.
