Report on the Takkuuk Project: Highlighting Climate Change and Indigenous Voices in Greenland

Introduction

The Russell Glacier, located at the edge of Greenland’s vast ice sheet, is experiencing significant melting, producing eerie moans from deep within the ice. This phenomenon symbolizes the urgent climate crisis facing the Arctic region. In April 2023, Andy Ferguson, one half of the electronic music duo Bicep, embarked on a journey to Greenland to document these changes and collaborate with Indigenous musicians. This initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and celebrate Indigenous culture, aligning closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Project Overview and Objectives

The Takkuuk project, named after an Inuktitut word meaning “look” or “look closely,” is a two-year artistic collaboration involving Bicep and Indigenous artists from Greenland and the wider Arctic region. The project’s objectives are:

• To highlight the rapid climate changes occurring in the Arctic (SDG 13).
• To promote and preserve Indigenous cultures and languages (SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
• To foster global awareness through music and visual arts (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

Fieldwork and Cultural Engagement

During the initial expedition, Ferguson and representatives from EarthSonic, a non-profit organization dedicated to climate awareness through art, visited key locations in Greenland, including Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Activities included:

1. Recording natural sounds from the Russell Glacier and surrounding environment.
2. Experiencing local culture, including traditional Inuit myths and music.
3. Attending Arctic Sounds, a music showcase featuring Indigenous and Arctic artists.

This immersive experience provided firsthand insight into the environmental and cultural challenges faced by Arctic communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate action and cultural preservation (SDG 13 and SDG 11).

Artistic Collaboration and Music Production

Following the Greenland trip, Bicep integrated field recordings and ice samples into their music production, collaborating closely with Indigenous artists such as Greenlandic rapper Tarrak, throat singing duo Silla, and vocalist Katarina Barruk. Key outcomes include:

• Creation of a unique soundtrack blending electronic music with Indigenous styles and languages.
• Promotion of endangered languages, such as Ume Sámi, through musical expression (SDG 4).
• Empowerment of Indigenous voices to lead the narrative, shifting focus from external observers to community members themselves (SDG 10 and SDG 16).

Multimedia Installation and Global Outreach

To contextualize the music and deepen audience engagement, an immersive installation was developed featuring:

• A documentary film showcasing the artists and exploring themes of displacement and marginalization.
• Innovative visual techniques using adapted infrared cameras to create evocative imagery.
• Planned premieres and tours at major venues and festivals worldwide, including London’s Outernet.

This multimedia approach supports SDG 17 by fostering partnerships and leveraging art to communicate critical messages about climate change and Indigenous rights globally.

Challenges and Broader Context

The project also addresses geopolitical and social challenges, such as:

• External interests in Greenland’s natural resources, highlighted by recent political developments (SDG 16).
• Personal adversities faced by the artists, including health challenges, underscoring resilience and commitment.
• The need for sustained awareness and education on climate issues to engage future generations (SDG 4 and SDG 13).

Conclusion and Impact

The Takkuuk project exemplifies how art and collaboration can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by:

1. Raising awareness of climate change impacts in vulnerable regions (SDG 13).
2. Preserving and celebrating Indigenous cultures and languages (SDG 4, SDG 10).
3. Encouraging global partnerships and inclusive narratives (SDG 17).

As Andy Ferguson notes, the project’s success lies in inspiring audiences to learn more about Greenland and the climate crisis, fostering a deeper understanding that is essential for collective action and sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses heavily on climate change impacts, specifically the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet and its contribution to rising sea levels.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Rising sea levels due to ice melt threaten marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article highlights the displacement and marginalisation of Indigenous communities, cultures, and languages, emphasizing the need to protect terrestrial ecosystems and cultural heritage.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Reference to Greenlandic cities and communities adapting to climate change and cultural preservation.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The project raises awareness and educates the public about climate change and Indigenous cultures through art and music.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Focus on Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural expression, and combating marginalisation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, to enhance their capacity to provide benefits.
   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests and halt deforestation.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Rate of loss of ice from Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets (implied through mention of quadrupled ice loss).
   • Global average temperature increase (reference to 2.5°C heating scenario).
   • Sea level rise measurements (implied by the prediction of a 12-meter rise).
   • Public awareness and education levels on climate change (implied through the project’s goal to raise awareness).
2. Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
   • Health and extent of marine and coastal ecosystems (implied through sea level rise impact).
3. Indicators for SDG 15 (Life on Land)
   • Status and vitality of Indigenous languages and cultures (implied through references to endangered languages and cultural expression).
   • Conservation status of terrestrial ecosystems like glaciers and forests (implied through glacier melting).
4. Indicators for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Protection and promotion of cultural heritage sites and practices (implied through Indigenous music and cultural projects).
5. Indicators for SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Number of awareness-raising projects and educational initiatives on climate change and Indigenous culture (implied through the art and music project).
6. Indicators for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Degree of social and cultural inclusion of Indigenous peoples (implied through collaboration and representation in the project).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com