Grand Opening

After working all morning in the field we went to the grand opening of the new lab facilities. There were lots of people, and the entire Barrow community participated. The labs are quite nice, and we got to see some artifacts that were dug up from around here. We also got to hear some speeches and lectures about research efforts and ongoing projects. It is amazing how the native people here embrace the scientific research and how they actively participate. I am deeply moved by the warmth and friendliness they radiate. There is a tight bond between the scientific community and the Inupiat people here. Much of the research here relies on the knowledge and wisdom of the elders and the people, and it is incorporated into the projects. Their keen understanding of the environment that surrounds us is remarkable.

We were all invited to a dinner at the Inupiat Heritage Museum immediately after the opening. I have been wanting to go there, so I was very happy. The museum has a lot of artifacts, but most of the it is dedicated to whaling, which is a pivotal theme here in Barrow; the lives of the Inupiat are centered around it. I met a whaler and another captain (aside from Lewis Brower, who I am thoroughly impressed with). He told me that he often sees polar bears, and they just shoosh them away. They can usually tell from far away by the body language of the bear if they are hungry and going to attack or not. One of the whales his crew caught had spear heads embedded in the skin that were 150 years old!! Lewis said a whale that they caught had bomb fragments in it from the 1800s, and researches have aged a whale caught by a crew at approximately 211 years old. It is amazing how little we understand about our world.

After chatting, we were all drawn into the meeting hall by the sound of drums beating. It gave me a chill. I stood on the side to see the people dance for us. The looks on their faces were intense. They sang a beautiful song in their native tongue and translated; "I will take care of you for all of time..." It was sweet (awww). In the middle of the ceremony an Inupiat woman maybe in her 80s or 90s got in front of the crowd and danced. Her movements told a story, she looked so happy, passionate and wise. I talked with her after the ceremony, and she told me how important it was to her to pass these traditions on to the younger generations. She said it has been the only thing to bring her lots of joy since her husband passed.

I have fallen in love with the Inupiat culture. They are so gracious and forthcoming with their culture and thier knowledge.