Mapping Women+ of the Arctic (Plan A) – Mapathon!

Mapping Women+* of the Arctic is a prototype mapping project (digital and an upcoming in-person mapathon) that spotlights the lives and geolocations of women of the Arctic from all walks of life – women who live in, work in, or engage with the Arctic. This project and map challenge conventional ideas of “notability” and resist dominant colonial and male-centered Arctic histories, which have often sidelined the central roles of Arctic women+*, especially Indigenous women, their knowledge transmission, survival, navigation, climate observation and action, cultural life & more.

Inspired by global efforts to (re)map and reclaim stories in the circumpolar north, women’s stories through female place names and toponymies in Antarctica and other contemporary digital mapping initiatives, Mapping Women+ of the Arctic seeks to honour and amplify women’s contributions across the Arctic. In particular, to recognize Indigenous Women+* whose knowledge, leadership, languages, and resilience have shaped Arctic life for generations.

Our Mapathon will be a live, collective mapping session where you can nominate women+, share stories, and especially spotlight Indigenous women whose contributions to Arctic knowledge, survival, education, discovery science, art, climate observation, cultural life and much more have been foundational and underrecognized.

Come remap what “notable” means. Nominate someone. Nominate yourself.

Add a name on a ribbon, message, sew a message, or write a tribute etc on this extraordinary handmade Arctic quilt made by @hapticlab , the base for our Mapathon.

Can’t be there? Nominate virtually — scan the QR code.

A joint project of Carol Devine, Tahnee Prior, and Charlie Hewitt.