12/15/2025
Gratitude Day 15/25 – Igluvigaq.
We give thanks to the igluvigaq for housing our ancestors and keeping them warm through the harsh winter months.
Igluvigat were more than shelters—they were masterpieces of knowledge, skill, and ingenuity. Built entirely from snow, Igluvigat protected families from the cold, the wind, and the long, cold nights. Inside those walls, stories were shared, food was shared, and generations were raised in warmth created by nothing more than body heat, qulliq light, and the strength of the structure itself.
We also give thanks to those who still hold the knowledge of building one. Their wisdom is part of our cultural identity, passed down through careful teaching and hands-on experience. To build an igluvigaq is to understand snow, weather, patience, and the rhythms of our environment. It is a skill that connects us directly to our ancestors and reminds us of their resilience and deep understanding of the land.
Today, we honour the builders, the teachers, and the knowledge-keepers who continue to share and preserve this important part of our heritage. May their teachings continue to be passed on, ensuring that the strength, creativity, and brilliance of our ancestors are never forgotten.
With love, Riit xo
Photo Credit: Demeester ❄️
