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

Black sled dog in heavy snow, June, Siorapaluk. © Carsten Egevang

Scoresbysund, April. © Carsten Egevang

A Greenland sled dog shakes off the snow after have rested for some time. © Carsten Egevang

The Greenland sled dog has amazing strength when it comes to pulling the sled. © Carsten Egevang

Greenland sled dogs. © Carsten Egevang

Greenland sled dogs on top of a miniature iceberg in the sea ice. © Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

Sled dogs have a sort pause on the journey. Scoresbysund, Greenland. © Carsten Egevang

Sled dogs, Qaanaaq, Thule area, Greenland. © Carsten Egevang

April, Scoresbysund. © Carsten Egevang

The Greenland sled dog stays outside all year around and can withstand the most extreme temperatures. © Carsten Egevang

Local hunter looking for seals on the sea ice off Scoresbysund, Northeast Greenland. © Carsten Egevang

Sled dogs used for pulling a boat from land to the ice edge. © Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

Sisimiut, West Greenland

Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund). © Carsten Egevang

In the Springtime crack will appear in the sea ice making sleding difficult. © Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

Greenland sled dogs caught in a snow storm during long travel. © Carsten Egevang

Sisimiut, November.

The Greenland sled dog is used in hunting. © Carsten Egevang

The Greenland snow dog can cope with the most extreme weather conditions. © Carsten Egevang

The Greenland sled dog is semi-wild and not to be patted. © Carsten Egevang

Greenland sled dog. © Carsten Egevang

November.

The dogs weigh only between 30 and 40 kg each – but when the pulled together they can carry amazing loads. © Carsten Egevang

© Carsten Egevang

Siorapaluk. © Carsten Egevang