Resident in US city with 67 days of sunless mystery shares why he chooses to stay

In the heart of the Arctic lies a city cloaked in a 67-day mystery, where the sun refuses to grace the horizon. Utqiagvik, Alaska, home to Eben W. Hopson, a resilient 25-year-old, who has made it his mission to unravel the enigmatic allure of life in this sunless realm.

As the mercury plunges to bone-chilling depths of minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, Hopson stands unwavering in his commitment to showcase the raw essence and vibrant heritage of his icy abode. While outsiders struggle to fathom the phenomenon of polar night, Hopson's unwavering resolve sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding this unique period.

Arctic Chronicles: Documenting Life in Utqiagvik's Darkness

Embracing the solitude and frigid temperatures of Utqiagvik, Eben W. Hopson navigates the challenges of documenting life in a city shrouded in darkness for 67 days.

As a steadfast advocate for his community, Hopson unveils the intricate tapestry of traditions and resilience that define the essence of Utqiagvik. Amidst the polar night's ethereal beauty, Hopson's unwavering dedication illuminates the profound connection between the people and the land in this remote Arctic outpost.

Demystifying the Polar Night

During this period, the sun does not rise above the horizon, creating an environment that many outsiders find difficult to comprehend. However, the reality of polar night is often misunderstood.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a time of complete darkness. Hopson explains that while the sun is absent, there are still hours of ambient light and twilight that provide a unique atmosphere.

Documenting Iñupiat Culture Through Media: Hopson's Story

Hopson works in media for the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, where he captures the daily life and culture of the Iñupiat people through his photography and videography. His work serves as a bridge between the traditional ways of his community and the outside world, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of those who live in such extreme conditions.

“I was born and raised here,” he states emphatically. This is where I want to raise my kids and my grandkids.” Despite having traveled extensively throughout the United States, including states like California, Georgia, Virginia, and Hawaii, as well as international destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Finland, Greenland, and Germany, Hopson feels a profound connection to his roots.

Embracing Identity: Life in Utqiagvik as an Iñupiaq Person.

“There’s something that feels off,” he admits about being away from Utqiagvik. “We don’t have concrete roads or big buildings here.

It’s worth it; not just because it’s home, but because it’s who I am as an Iñupiaq person.” The Iñupiat are an Indigenous Inuit group that has inhabited the Arctic region for thousands of years. Their survival has historically depended on a deep understanding of the land and its resources, utilizing hunting and fishing techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Preserving Arctic Culture: Dispelling Misconceptions

This cultural heritage is integral to Hopson's identity and is reflected in his commitment to preserving and sharing the traditions of his people. One of the most significant misconceptions about life in the Arctic is the belief that the polar night equates to total darkness.

Hopson clarifies this misunderstanding, explaining that the geographical position of Utqiagvik means that while the sun does not rise for approximately 67 days, there is still a degree of light during the day. “If you’re above 67.5 degrees on the Earth’s axis, when it tilts one way, there’s no sunlight.

Navigating Life in Arctic Darkness

But we still have some light, even if it’s just for a few hours.” The impact of the prolonged darkness on daily life is often a concern for those unfamiliar with the Arctic lifestyle. However, Hopson asserts that for those who live in Utqiagvik year-round and engage in cultural activities, life continues as normal.

“We just keep moving forward and going on with our daily lives.” He emphasizes the importance of staying busy with traditional practices such as sewing, hunting, and fishing, which provide both sustenance and a sense of purpose. Interestingly, Hopson notes that the disruption of sleep patterns is more commonly attributed to daylight saving time than to the extreme winter conditions.

Living in Remote Areas: Challenges and Unique Insights

He describes the practice as “dumb,” stating, “Nobody likes it up here. That’s what gets everybody real tired.” This insight sheds light on the unique challenges faced by those living in such a remote area, where the rhythms of life are dictated by the natural environment rather than conventional societal norms.

Health is another area where misconceptions abound. Many assume that months without sunlight must negatively impact physical well-being.

The Importance of Traditional Foods in Winter Health

However, Hopson argues that traditional foods play a crucial role in maintaining health during the dark winter months. “If you’re not from here and you go through this cycle for the first time, people are usually stocked up on vitamins,” he explains.

“But the traditional foods I eat year-round give me everything I need.” His diet is rich in locally sourced foods, including dried caribou meat, fish, muktuk (whale skin and blubber), seal, walrus, and various birds, all of which he often harvests himself. This connection to the land and its resources is a vital aspect of Iñupiat culture.

Traditional Food Storage for Sustenance

“I might have dried caribou in the morning and that’ll keep me full till lunch,” he shares. “I’ve got food from every season stored; dried fish from summer, muktuk from spring, caribou from winter.” While the nearest supermarket is just a few blocks away, Hopson describes his life as existing “in two worlds.” He admits to indulging in modern conveniences like Hot Pockets and pizza rolls, humorously acknowledging, “Those are my weaknesses.” However, he emphasizes that he digests traditional food much better, which contributes to the overall health of the Iñupiat people.

“There’s a saying that Alaska Native people are some of the healthiest people in the world. We’ve lived off these foods for thousands of years.

Hunting for Family and Community: Iñupiat Culture

We know what works.” Beyond personal sustenance, Hopson also engages in hunting for the benefit of his family and community. “You hunt not just for yourself, but for your family and your community.” This communal approach to hunting underscores the interconnectedness of Iñupiat culture, where sharing resources is a fundamental aspect of life.

Despite the extreme conditions, Hopson insists that life in Utqiagvik continues as usual. He recounts experiences of hunting in dangerously low temperatures, stating, “I’ve been hunting at minus 60 before.

Arctic Adventure: Embracing Challenges for Rewarding Experiences

I’ve been camping at minus 65 with wind.” While he acknowledges the risks involved, he believes that these challenges are part of what makes life in the Arctic so rewarding. His passion for documenting his experiences through photography and videography allows him to share the beauty and resilience of his community with the world.

“It gets me out of the house and out of town,” he explains. “And it’s something to show people and tell my kids and grandkids about one day.” Family ties are deeply rooted in Hopson’s identity.

Legacy of Utqiagvik's First Mayor and ICC Founder

He carries the name of his grandfather, a significant figure in Utqiagvik’s history who became the first mayor of the city in 1972 and later founded the Inuit Circumpolar Council. This organization played a crucial role in uniting Inuit communities across Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, advocating for their rights and cultural preservation.

Hopson’s grandfather’s legacy even reached popular culture, inspiring a character named Eben Oleson in the horror comic and film “30 Days of Night,” which was influenced by Hopson’s name. “There’s a lot of history that I’m proud of,” he reflects.

Embracing Utqiagvik: A Unique Lifestyle Choice

“And I want to keep it going.” For Hopson, the long polar night, the biting cold, and the remoteness of Utqiagvik are not deterrents but rather defining features of his unique lifestyle. “And I wouldn’t want it any other way.” In a world increasingly disconnected from its roots, Hopson’s commitment to his heritage and community serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of place and identity.

His story highlights the resilience of the Iñupiat people and their ability to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth, offering valuable insights into the interplay between culture, environment, and personal identity. As climate change continues to impact the Arctic, the experiences and perspectives of individuals like Hopson will be crucial in understanding the future of these communities and the preservation of their way of life.