Lecture Notes on Seal Hunting and Inuit Culture

Introduction

• The speaker shares personal memories of seal hunting as a family activity.
• The speaker is visiting relatives and partakes in a seal hunting trip.

Perception of Seal Hunting

• Realization that some people oppose seal hunting.
• Media portrayal of seal hunters as negative.

Motivation for Documentary

• Animal welfare groups depict seal hunting as evil and greedy.
• The documentary aims to change this narrative.

Inuit Seal Hunting and Economy

• Ayu Peter, a sealskin clothing designer and activist, is introduced.
• Ayu's work in sealskin supports her family and culture.
• Seal products are essential for the Inuit economy.

Anti-Sealing Campaigns

• Campaigns have been active since the 1960s to stop sealskin trade.
• Anti-sealing focuses on spring hunts in southern Canada.
• These campaigns overlook Inuit hunting and impact Inuit economies.

Cultural Impacts of Anti-Sealing

• Traditional Inuit practices like song battles illustrate cultural differences.
• Anti-sealing campaigns often overshadow Inuit voices and concerns.

Economic and Social Effects

• The 1983 EU ban on seal products devastated Inuit economies.
• Suicide rates in Inuit communities rose significantly post-ban.

Recent Developments

• A new EU ban in 2009 further harms the Inuit sealskin market.
• Inuit activists, including Ayu, lobby in Europe against the ban.
• Misleading imagery, like baby seals, is used by anti-sealing groups.

Challenges in Advocacy

• Difficulty in conveying the Inuit perspective to Europeans.
• Advocacy efforts by Inuit students and activists in Europe.

Economic Alternatives and Threats

• Seismic testing for oil poses environmental risks to Arctic regions.
• Inuit communities resist such economic developments to protect their environment.

Modern Activism and Media

• The "Sealfie" campaign promotes Inuit sealskin use and culture.
• Ellen DeGeneres' donation to anti-sealing groups highlights media influence.
• Online backlash from anti-sealers showcases the hostility faced by Inuit.

Conversations with Anti-Sealers

• Attempts to engage with anti-sealing groups often result in cancellations.
• Some former anti-sealers, like Anamika Rowell, express regret for past actions.

Conclusion: Hope for Change

• New generations of Inuit hunters continue traditions.
• Call for a new model of activism that includes Inuit voices and respects cultural practices.