The drum beat of the Inuit Circumpolar Council - conflict transformation through communication and collaboration

• Main Author: Schoeppner, Lydia
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: NSUWorks 2021
• Subjects: Ethnomusicology; Indigenous Studies; Arctic; Arctic Council; greenlandic; inuit
• Online Access: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/pcs_conference/2020/day1/55

The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is an Inuit advocacy organization that operates nationally and internationally. The ICC has been described as a “drum” by Aqqaluk Lynge, a Greenlandic politician and ICC founding member who also has served as the organizations’ leader. The Inuit drum is also prominently featured in the ICC’s logo. The portrayal of the ICC as a drum (qilaut) – the only musical instrument that Inuit traditionally produced – offers a rich array of metaphorical meaning that helps illustrate the organization’s work. The image of the drum as a communication tool whose rhythmic sounds are often similar to the heart beat speaks to the understanding of the organization as essential and meaningful for Inuit that helps reinforce Inuit collective identity and cultural cohesion. The circular movements performed by the drummer beating the instrument further illustrate the idea of a two-way exchange process between local Inuit and the ICC but also between the ICC and non-Inuit that allow for mutual exchange to collectively move forward. An important conflict resolution tool used in song duels (iviutit), the metaphor of the drum also reflects the Inuit values of collaboration, relationships, and transparency that are necessary for community harmony. The ICC’s General Assemblies, community connections, and the organization's international work in the Arctic Council and the United Nations are examples of the ICC's navigating between the local and international level to transform conflicts.