Between Worlds: An Indigenous Perspective on Living in Alaska, Greenland, and Denmark in 2025

“The world feels louder than ever—politically, socially, and environmentally. But for Indigenous people, these struggles aren’t new. We’ve always lived in the aftermath of collapses that were never ours to begin with.”

In this episode, I share my journey across three lands—Alaska, Greenland, and Denmark—through the lens of identity, colonization, and resistance.

I discuss:

🔹 The urgency of now: Political polarization, the silencing of voices, and the rising power of oligarchies

🔹 Greenland’s fight for independence: How history is being rewritten in real-time and why it matters

🔹 Denmark’s colonial legacy: A country that prides itself on progress while erasing its past

🔹 Living as an Indigenous woman in the Arctic North and beyond.

This is Jen Jul's perspective on what it means to exist between worlds.

Listen now and share this episode with those who need to hear it.

Let’s reclaim our narratives, challenge the myths, and build a future that isn’t written for us—but by us.

Living in Denmark – Navigating the Lessons, Challenges, and Adaptation of this Danish Life

In the first episode of The Jen Jul Podcast, I’m unpacking what it’s like to trade an Alaskan life for Denmark’s endless gray skies and concrete jungles. Spoiler: It’s not all hygge and candles, but it’s definitely been a journey worth sharing.

I dive into the cultural quirks, the awkward (yet hilarious) missteps, and what it’s like raising a “Danglish” family while trying to find my footing in a land that loves its rules—and lakarids (yeah its a thing). From the stark differences in daily life to those unexpected “aha” moments, I’m sharing my wins, fails, and everything in between.

Why Listen?

• Gain a behind-the-scenes look at expat life—minus the sugar coating.
• Learn why cultural adaptation is as messy as it is rewarding.
• Laugh (and maybe cringe) at my attempts to balance Danish norms with Alaskan practicality.
• Take away some wit and wisdom about embracing the chaos of change.

This Danish life isn’t perfect, but it’s perfectly interesting. So grab your coffee, and join me for a real (candid) look at navigating life abroad. 🤙🏽

This is an Introduction to the Jen Jul Podcast. My former podcast, The Naeitf Jen Podcast was rebranded into this podcast because I wanted to go in a different direction. Now, we are diving into what it's really like to live abroad, discussions on tech, and specifically artificial intelligence (AI) because that is what I'm learning, as well as business and real stories. I'm keeping it real with amazing guest interviews, insights, and probably a lot of laughter. I'm sharing my unconventional journey and learning lessons so you don't have to make the same mistakes and just take you along for the ride.

Welcome to the Jen Jul Podcast.

Aviaja Rakel Shamanism 2.0

In this profound and deeply moving episode of the (former) Naetif Jen Podcast, we welcome back Aviaja Rakel, an Inuit shamanic practitioner, a friend, and mentor for an enlightening discussion on Shamanism 2.0. Following our previous conversation in Episode 17, we delve deeper into spirituality, Inuit Shamanism, and healing practices that were there long before colonization. This episode is especially significant as it follows Jen's participation in Aviaja's Shamanism courses in Denmark, both the initial Introduction to Shamanism (in Danish) and the recent Shamanic course (in English). Their discussion is an evolution of their journeys that are intertwined with Shamanism, a deep respect and love for one another, and a heart for ancient teachings, connections, and healing in a modern world.

Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Shamanism 2.0:

• Exploring the evolution and deeper aspects of modern shamanism.
• Differences and advancements from traditional practices.

1. Personal Experiences and Insights:

• Jen shares her transformative experiences from attending Aviaja’s shamanic courses.
• Key lessons and sacred teachings were absorbed during the sessions.

1. Spirituality and Healing:

• How shamanic practices contribute to personal and collective healing.
• Techniques and rituals used in Inuit shamanism for spiritual growth.

1. Teachings and Sacred Circles:

• The importance of shamanic circles in fostering community, sisterhood, and shared wisdom.
• Aviaja’s approach to guiding participants through these sacred gatherings.

1. Practical Applications:

• Integrating shamanic teachings into daily life.
• Stories of healing and transformation from Aviaja’s experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the depth and significance of modern shamanism.
• The power of shamanic practices in personal development and healing.
• Insights into the unique aspects of Inuit shamanism.
• The role of community and shared practices in spiritual growth.

Keywords: Shamanism, Inuit Shamanism, Spirituality, Healing Practices, Shamanic Circles, Aviaja Rakel, Naetif Jen Podcast, Modern Shamanism, Sacred Teachings, Spiritual Growth, Personal Development, Shamanic Rituals, Shamanic Healing, Transformative Experiences, Sacred Gatherings, Community Healing.

Links and Resources:

• Previous Episode with Aviaja Rakel (Episode 17)
• Aviaja Rakel Instagram

I was honored to interview Ayyu Qassataq, an Indigenous Iñupiaq and Yup'ik woman, mom, advocate, cancer survivor, keynote speaker, and community leader. With over two decades of experience in leadership and advocacy and a career dedicated to advancing the self-determination and well-being of Alaska Native peoples, Ayyu shares her incredible journey, insights, and the transformative power of her work. From her roles at the First Alaskans Institute to founding her consultancy, Qulliq Munaqtuġuut, Ayyu’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to Native people's rights. This modern-day Indigenous advocate warrior is an influential Alaska Native leader dedicated to the self-determination and well-being of all Indigenous people.

Share this episode with your network to spread the inspiring story of Ayyu Qassataq and her impactful work.

You can find more about Ayyu here:

👉🏽 Facebook

👉🏽 LinkedIn

In this episode of The Naetif Jen Podcast, host Jen Jul interviews Yaari Walker, a multitalented Yupik woman from Savoonga, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island. Yaari is a mother, wife, actor, writer, artist, author, former basketball coach, traditional healer, and addiction specialist. She emulates healing, spirituality, love, and compassion for all.

Yaari published her new book, Aatak Ayguumun Angwaaghnaqi: Keep Paddling Against the Wind.

Yaari discusses her book, her journey, and her experience in HBO’s hit show, True Detective: Night Country. This amazing woman also shares her inspiring journey of overcoming domestic violence, alcoholism, cultural identity, and integrating traditional healing practices. Listen now to her amazing journey.

Yaari discusses her book, her journey, and her experience in HBO’s hit show, True Detective: Night Country. This amazing woman also shares her inspiring journey of overcoming domestic violence, alcoholism, cultural identity, and integrating traditional healing practices. Listen now to her amazing journey.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Yaari's Background: Insights into her life as a mother of seven, grandmother of 16, and her roots in Sivunga.
• Cultural Identity: The significance of being St. Lawrence Island Yupik and the importance of traditional Inuit facial tattoos.
• Overcoming Domestic Violence: Yaari’s personal story of escaping an abusive relationship and rebuilding her life.
• Healing and Forgiveness: Her spiritual journey, including a powerful vision that led to forgiveness.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy: The importance of incorporating traditional healing in modern therapeutic settings.
• Acting Career: Yaari’s experiences in "One with the Whale" and "True Detective," as well as her advocacy for Alaska Native women's issues (MMIW).
• Reviving Traditions: Yaari’s efforts in preserving and teaching traditional practices.

Connect with Yaari:

👉🏽 Aatak Angwaaghnaqi: Keep Paddling Against the Wind

👉🏽 Facebook

Arnârak Patricia Bloch is a Greenlandic Inuk woman 🇬🇱 who is an Actress, Researcher, Mother, and Suicide Prevention Advocate and Educator for Greenland. She exemplifies what it means to be a Strong Indigenous woman who is advocating for her people. Her work includes traveling throughout Greenland to train people how to identify and prevent suicide. She received an award and well-deserved recognition for her work in disseminating knowledge about suicide prevention among professionals in Greenland in her Greenlandic language. She continues to train professionals to give them the tools to help others prevent suicide. Listen to her amazing journey!

You can find more about Arnârak:

👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/arnarak_patricia_bloch/

👉🏽 https://www.facebook.com/arnarak.kristiansen/

In Greenland: 🇬🇱 If you need help or if you have thoughts about suicide or feel alone, you can contact Tusaannga on tel. 80 11 80 or text 18 99. The conversation is free and anonymous.

Josepha is a Greenlandic Content Creator, Entrepreneur, Photographer, Mask Dancer, and Social Media Manager. She is an outgoing, humorous, beautiful, and refreshingly honest person whom I found on Instagram years ago and started following her journey. We talk about her travels, Greenlandic sustainable tourism, trying to have babies, her fantastic photography, mask dancing, and everything in between. She has this ease of being refreshingly open about her struggles as a mom and entrepreneur. At the heart of everything she is a storyteller with an infectious smile and she has this way of teaching us about Greenland and her life through her lens.

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/child_of_the_arctic. and she is the creator of @faces_of_greenland

Aviaja Rakel:

She is a profound Greenlandic Inuit woman who comes from a shamanic lineage. She is a brave soul that has returned to her pre-colonized traditional beliefs. We dive right into the conversation with her about her craft; she is a Shaman Practitioner. Aviaja explained what shamanism is and what she does to help people heal and open their intuition. 

She has an amazing story of healing, generational trauma healing, and drum journeys. Listen to learn about Shamanism, its meaning, and how it has changed my view on everything. 

Where to find out more about my guest:

https://www.facebook.com/RakelAngakker

@rakel_angakker https://www.instagram.com/rakel_angakker/?hl=en

Again, Paninnguaq is an old soul that I was honored to interview. She is profoundly connected to her culture and I felt that throughout our conversation. You can hear her love for her Inuit people, her culture, the land, and especially her children. We talked about all things Arctic Indigenous womanhood and it felt beautiful and spiritual. I have so much respect for her and her work. Check out this episode and let me know what you think.

You can find more about Paninnnguaq:

https://www.instagram.com/paninnguaqpikilak/?hl=en

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