Being-with

It is not just that the igloo building could be argued to have emerged as an ethical space of engagement, because it was built based on mutually agreed upon terms of engagement:

“I think when you have, When you have exercises where it's hands on- where both parties are hands on doing the same task with the same information, and then you're producing something together. You know what I mean? That nobody's, uh, or system or whatever is, is, is, Regulating either. You know, where the regulation, regulations are put aside so that this event takes place. (Tuppittia Qitsualik)“

It's also that the igloo itself, once finished, provided new grounds for meeting each other. The igloo became a physical manifestation of "renewed" relationships- and a new place to gather.

Multiple Southern researchers, including myself, would return to the igloo at times. As an extended gathering point, it became not just an opportunity to meet other people, but also an opportunity to be present-with. Present with ourselves, the community, the significance of our collective undertaking, or with the Northern lights.

Return to Cut 2: Gjoa Haven Workshop