Siku

By exploring indigenous people's knowledge and use of sea ice, the SIKU project has demonstrated the power of multiple perspectives and introduced a new held of interdisciplinary research, the study of social (socio-cultural) aspects of the natural world, or what we may call the `social life' of sea ice. It incorporates local terminologies and classifications, place names, personal stories, teachings, safety rules, historic narratives, and explanations of the empirical and spiritual connections that people create with the natural world. In opening the social life of sea ice and the value of indigenous perspectives we make a novel contribution to IPY, to science, and to the public.

"This book explains why the Inuit proudly call themselves the Sikumiut `people of the sea ice.' It gives fall respect to our Inuit Elders and hunters, best scientists and best experts in Arctic climate change. I wish the Inuit youth lake these stories to the heart to be proud of the great wisdom caul knowledge of our people." Aqqaluk Lynge, Inuit poet, President, ICC-Greenland