“Indigeneity” is a difficult concept. It is inextricably linked with European colonialism, without which the notion of the “indigenous”, in the literal sense the “native”, would not exist. It was only when white Europeans appropriated other parts of the world, established colonies and settled in those regions that it became necessary to differentiate between white newcomers and the people who already lived there. In the past, the distinction often served to denigrate and discriminate against certain populations.

Today, the term also plays a part in the political activism of indigenous people who have fought for international agreements that promise to protect the rights of those who are categorised as such – or who identify as “indigenous” themselves. The concept therefore has the potential to bring together the representatives of different communities by focusing on joint interests and shared needs. An example of this is a project initiated by Francisco González, President of the Pueblo Kawésqar Foundation in Chile, and by Ivik Ingatiussen and Dines Mikaelsen from Greenland.

As part of a workshop that was organised in the summer of 2024, young people from southern Chile and from the east coast of Greenland got together to kayak. They explored the differences and similarities between their lives as Kawésqar and Inuit in the 21st century. The screening of the documentary created as part of the project will be followed by a discussion with its three leaders about the potential meaning – be it in southern Chile or in East Greenland – of “indigeneity” today.

Please note that this event will be held in English.

An evening at the museum – Greenland

In conversation with experts and with audience participation, this series of events seeks to develop new and multi-faceted perspectives on the colonial legacy of the Greenland collection. The subject matter discussed, and the insight gained from the events will be fed back into the exhibition “Greenland ahoy! Perspectives on a colonial legacy”. As a consequence, it will be in a constant state of flux and will allow us to gather a new understanding and reappraise how Switzerland views Greenland today.

The exhibition “Greenland ahoy! Perspectives on a colonial legacy” will open its doors from 5 pm. (Admission is included in the ticket price.)
The bar will be open from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Admission fee: CHF 16/person
Friends of the Museum, students, OAP/disabled, holders of a KulturLegi and persons with refugee status (N, S and F permits) can avail of a 50% discount. Raiffeisen, Swiss Museum Pass, Kultur-GA, “Bern Museum Card 24h”, “Bern Museum Card 48h” and “Swiss Travel Pass” will not be valid.

Sign up

You can sign up for the event here. Drop-in guests are also welcome, as long as there's space.