Circumpolar Art as Icebreaker: Platform for Arctic Voices

Description Exhibition 'Arctic Voices: Indigenous Perspectives on Pasts, Presents and Future': The exhibition consists of two parts – one focusing on the radically changing environment, the other on the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic. Visitors are invited to explore the rich and diverse perspectives, offering a deeper understanding of its Peoples, landscapes, and ecosystems. The first part of the exhibition focuses on the environmental crisis from an Indigenous perspective, highlighting the deep connection between nature, culture, and technology. Drawing on the wisdom of Indigenous Elders, the exhibition presents the belief that their worldviews—one that has long sought balance with the environment—holds the key to a sustainable future for humanity. As Douglas Cardinal, Métis-Blackfoot Canadian architect, concisely expresses, “The teachings of the Elders are not the teachings of the past. They are the teachings of the future.” Visitors are encouraged to reflect on the enduring relevance of these teachings in shaping a resilient and harmonious path forward for the planet. The second part of the exhibition sheds light on the enduring impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples while honoring their resilience, strength, and cultural revival. The artworks confront the deep-seated damage inflicted on Indigenous holistic cultures by colonial repression, including forced assimilation, marginalization, and displacement. At the same time, the exhibition celebrates the empowerment of Indigenous communities as they reclaim their identities, languages, and traditions, sparking a profound cultural resurgence. Visitors are encouraged to engage with these perspectives and reflect on the need to address both historical and current injustices, while recognizing the powerful movement of Indigenous empowerment shaping the future.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 28 September 2024 - 08 February 2025

Project Type Exhibition

Partner 'Arctic Voices'-Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Image Máttaráhkká / Mother Earth by Sami artist, Jo Morten Kåven

Description The interdisciplinary artist-researcher Devora Neumark talks about her work and what living in Iqaluit (in the Eastern Arctic) means to her as an artist.

Place Kornhausforum Bern

Date Wednesday, 9 October 2024 at 18:00

Project Type Talk

Partner Kornhausforum Bern

Link https://kornhausforum.ch/de/agenda/talk-devora-neumark/

Description Presentation on Sámi Drums: Clues to Ancient Routes: Øistein Hanssen from Nordkjosbotn (Norway) has Sámi, Kven, and Norwegian roots. After retiring as an engineer from the University of Tromsø, he devoted himself to his musical passion. He delves into the sounds of natural flutes, researches traditional music of the Sámi and Kven in music archives, reconstructs instruments, and explores the connection between Sámi shaman drums and the night sky. In his presentation, he examines the link between astrological mythology and the symbols on Sámi drums. With the help of star maps, these symbols provide clues to ancient routes of Sámi population groups.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Saturday, 12 October 2024 at 17:00

Project Type Presentation

Partner Arctic Voices

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description Concert: Joik and Natural Flute from Sápmi: Berit Alette Mienna is a Joik teacher and artist from Jergul in Finnmark (Norway). Joik is a centuries-old singing tradition of the Sámi people in northern Europe, reminiscent of the natural yodel from Switzerland. Øistein Hanssen from Nordkjosbotn (Norway) has immersed himself in the sounds of natural flutes and has researched traditional Sámi and Kven music in music archives. Together, they invite us to an evening of Sámi culture, where Joik and natural flute harmonize.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Saturday, 12 October 2024 at 19:00

Project Type Concert

Partner Arctic Voices

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description Join us for a special guided tour of the "Arctic Voices" exhibition with Sámi artist Jo Morten Kåven, whose works are prominently featured in the exhibition. The event will begin with a screening of Jo’s short film, «Noaidi», which offers a powerful introduction to the themes of the exhibition and Jo’s artistic vision. Following the film, Jo will lead a tour through the exhibition, providing unique insights into the Sámi perspectives, his personal journey, and the connection between art, culture, and environment. The event will be held in English language.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Time Saturday, 19 October 2024 at 16:00

Project Type Film Screening & Guided Exhibition Tour

Partner 'Arctic Voices'-Project

Link www.arcticvoices.ch

Description From Trauma to Transformation. A transdisciplinary Workshop: For decades, Indigenous communities in Canada have been fighting for political recognition and reparations after land theft, disenfranchisement, cultural genocide and structural discrimination. What strategies have they been using? What role does Switzerland play in the violence against First Nations? (How) Can the experiences and strategies of First Nations from Canada be related to coming to terms with the forced assimilation of Yenish, Sinti and Roma in Swiss history? How can transnational relationships and forms of collaboration and solidarity emerge? ‍This transdisciplinary community gathering opens up an experimental space for explore transnational processes of remembering, reparation and healing.‍ With: Mike Metatawabin (Poet and Deputy Grad Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation), ‍ Ursula Waser (witness „Kinder der Landstrasse“, Stiftung Naschet-Jenische), Mo Diener (performance artist, researcher and activist for Roma rights, Zurich),‍ Manuel Menrath (Historian and Curator, PH Luzern). Moderation: Rohit Jain and Jana Lamatsch (Institut für Sozialanthropologie der Universität Bern)

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 18:00

Project Type Workshop

Partner Arctic Voices, Institute of Social Anthropology of the University of Bern

Links www.arcticvoices.ch https://www.anthro.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/public_anthro_lab/was_ist_das_public_anthropology_lab/index_ger.html