A conversation I had with Aka on our way to see the caribou:

WLT: Our rule was to be separate from the wildlife we see. We are breaking that rule in Greenland.

Aka: Hunting has been the way of life here. And because there are no wolves, we hunters are needed.

WLT: And what of the prophecy that the caribou will live peacefully with the wolf?

Aka: The wolf lives close to the caribou, maintaining the caribou’s health, and ensuring the caribou has enough to eat.

TLC: How are we different from a wolf or a dog? How are we civilized?

Aka: A dog is partially wild, curled up with its nose in its tail, as the snow covers it. It stays warm without the igloo.

WLT: How did we become the most dangerous? 

Aka: We made the bow and arrow. We recorded things. That is how we live.

Aka: And why do you take photographic records? 

WLT: Because the animals do not speak for themselves.

Aka: Do you presume to know the meaning of life? 

WLT: Rather, we need to be connected and down to earth. 

Aka: Have you found that connection? 

WLT: To hear the grunts of the herd, the pounding of the hooves, to see the determination, that is how we can assess our spirit.

WLT: What is there to life that is sacred? 

Aka: The young cub follows its mother and learns. While idle, it learns by playing. Meanwhile, the igloo is finished, and the Inuits dance. But man lacks perspective and cages the cub for medical experimentation. There is no learning, no playing, and no value to life. Not being wild leads to separation and depression.