Award of Excellence: Tunu
In West Greenland, the east coast is called Tunu. It means “the backside.” The name comes partly from the harsh weather, which makes the coast difficult to access, and partly because the east coast was colonized 100 years later than the west coast. But it also reflects the fact that East Greenland faces some of the country’s most severe social problems: suicide, sexual abuse, violence, and substance misuse.
For many, life is so hard and hopeless that it can be difficult to see any meaning. Yet there are also forces trying to give the next generation a better life—among them, teaching young people to dream. Not necessarily big dreams, but simply about something: a sofa, a tour guide certificate, or savings for a small fishing boat.
As opportunities are few with almost no educational options and jobs, and the lack of housing puts extra pressure on families. Some try to move to West or South Greenland to study, but return when homesickness becomes too strong. The question remains: what future awaits a generation go youth learning to dream in a town that has none?
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In Tasiilaq, a meaningful life is closely connected to nature — it is deeply rooted in the East Greenlandic identity. It is a small, remote community where people help each other, where stable internet only arrived a few years ago, and where the winter months bring long gaps between supply ships, leaving the stores empty of fresh groceries almost 6 months a year. Daniel takes care of the youth house’s sled dogs, which are used for transport in the winter. He had tried to leave Tasiilaq to pursue an education but returned because he was feeling homesick. Now in his late twenties, he works at the youth house.
