The Meaning of Ice: People and Sea Ice in Three Arctic Communities - Tapa dura

"In a field of study - climate change/sea ice/Inuit - that can appear to be, at the least, overcrowded, The Meaning of Ice stands out and is outstanding. As I read it, what came to mind was that the best way to describe the volume's qualities is that it is nothing less than a work of Ethno-Anthropology, an odd but right term to use here. The Inuit who participated in Siku-Inuit-Hila, in concert with the project's editors and scientific advisors, have produced a work that removes its subject from the realm of abstraction and in so doing makes it absolutely clear that the sea ice is not someplace Inuit only venture onto; rather it is an essential aspect of Inuit culture and life. The Meaning of Ice is very much greater than the sum of its parts and kudos to all involved in it."-- "Arctic"

The Meaning of Ice celebrates Arctic sea ice as it is seen and experienced by the Inuit, Inupiat, and Inughuit, who for generations have lived with it and thrived on what it offers. With extensive details offered through their own drawings and writings, this book describes the great depth of Inuit, Inupiat, and Inughuit knowledge of sea ice and the critical and complex role it plays in their relationships with their environment and with one another. Over forty Inuit, Inupiat, and Inughuit from three different Arctic communities contributed stories, original artwork, hand-drawn illustrations, maps, family photos, and even recipes to this book. Professional and historical photographs, children's artwork, and innovative graphics add more to the story of The Meaning of Ice. The Meaning of Ice is an important contribution to understanding the Arctic and its people at a time when the region is undergoing profound change, not least in terms of sea ice. It takes readers beyond what sea ice is, to broaden our appreciation of what sea ice means.