Rankin Inlet, Naujaat hunters celebrate bowhead whale catch
Hunters from Rankin Inlet and Naujaat stand atop their catch: a bowhead whale. The hunters caught the whale late on Aug.20, about 50 kilometres south of Naujaat, then towed it for 12 hours back to the hamlet. (Photo courtesy of Lillian Simik)
So much disrespect to the animal in this picture
“In the old days Inuit were not allowed to brag about their catch because the animals spirits were listening… You weren’t allowed to brag about your catch of any wildlife, or even talk while eating…”
Buster Kailej, Inuinnait
“Animals killed by humans re[ported on their treatment at the hands of their captors when they returned home. Any show of disrespect by humans could offend the animal, making it impossible to hunt the animals of that species.”
From Uqalurait: An Oral History of Nunavut
The animal is dead so I don’t think it cares. The people are just happy that they were successful with their hunt. In historical times, a successful hunt meant survival for the group.
I know it won’t be soon, but I do look forward to the day when we no longer need to kill our fellow sentient beings for food, a day when we can look at picture like this and not feel joy or celebration at the death of a living, thinking and self aware animal like ourselves, but sadness and relief that we no longer do such things.
They live in the Arctic, where food costs a fortune to import and agriculture isn’t really possible. The one whale can provide loads of food for the community. Hopefully, the best use is made of it.
I hope these rankin hunters will properly butchered this one, last time rankin hunters just leave half whale and go home.