FOUNDE R ’S LE TTE R
The Resilient North
How We Can Learn From Northern Cultures
T
BRYCE M. WATTS
PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Forager 2 Fall 2015
he circumpolar north is a rich
landscape of striking features and
harsh climates, but it isn’t a land
devoid of life. It is a safe haven for migratory birds, and provides a seasonal bounty
that supports some of the largest herds on
earth. The cultures that have developed on
these lands are some of the most resilient
in the world and offer valuable lessons on
how we can coexist with nature. To not
only live, but thrive on these lands, people
had to adapt to conditions that were at
times unpredictable.
Our continued reliance on fossil
fuels and mineral resources has placed
the Arctic tundra and boreal forest in the
consciousness of western minds. Taking
advantage of this perceived wealth is now
causing a severe loss of cultural heritage
and sovereignty, and is testing the resolve
of these peoples. In Scandinavia, the
Sami’s traditional migratory routes are
constantly in flux due to new infrastructure designed to access mineral-rich areas.
In northern Canada, the Inuit are perpetuating cultural traditions alongside the
standardized educational system. In this
issue we explore the varied cultures of the
Great White North and how the changing
landscapes are placing these peoples at the
forefront of a changing planet.
Through the work of a number of
inspiring initiatives, northern peoples are
looking back in order to look forward.
They are revitalizing generations-old
traditions and appreciating the vastness
of their cultural landscape, resulting in
increased recognition from the rest of
the world for their connection to their
natural environment. With projects that
are reviving traditional plant uses and
reclaiming historically significant places,
these cultures are reasserting their sovereignty in a land where their rights have
historically been pushed aside in pursuit of
monetary gain.
In this issue we set aside common
misconceptions of the North as a bleak,
frozen landscape, and showcase its vibrant
cultures and rich history. By valuing the
voices of the traditional inhabitants of the
North, we can gain valuable insights into
ways to coexist with nature in some of its
more extreme manifestations.
Thank you for your interest in Forager
magazine and the work that Forager Foundation is doing. Our primary mandates are
to promote Traditional Knowledge and
cultural heritage, and to build a stronger
relationship with the natural environment.
By reading this publication you are helping
us achieve this goal. If you are interested in
learning more, please reach out to us and
lend your voice to our growing network of
like-minded individuals.
1