Photo project

QIMMEQ

Greenland holds the Arctic’s largest remaining sled dog population and a globally unique traditional dog sled culture. But both the sled dog and the culture that goes with it are threatened by extinction. The dog population has been reduced from 31.000 dogs twenty years ago to a present low of less than 15.000 and the situation is growing worse. Decreasing sea-ice cover due to climate warming and competition from snowmobiles is hold responsible for the present alarming situation.

The sled dog and its cultural history thus presents itself as an excellent and timely object for an interdisciplinary survey where anthropology, archaeology, genetics, and biology are integrated to provide a holistic, comprehensive and detailed picture of its history, role and importance. Due to its character and fame the sled dog will also provide an excellent platform for the engagement of the public and schools using web-portal, film, still photography, exhibits, and events as venues.

The six most important goals of the Qimmeq Project

Collect and research knowledge about the Greenland sled dog, its genetics and culture history
Encourage, create and sustain interest and pride in the sled dogs and the surrounding culture and thus help sustain a viable sled dog culture for the future.
Help secure a genetically healthy dog population.
Share knowledge and research results, develop communication tools, and disseminate results within the Greenlandic and the arctic community, and globally.
Full fill the goals of Greenland Perspective.
Be a role model for future research projects beyond the Qimmeq project.