In the vast, frozen expanses of the Arctic, there exists a world both harsh and beautiful, where stories are as deep as the largest cetaceans inhabiting its uncharted waters. It's here that National Geographic Society explorer, filmmaker, and photographer Kiliii Yüyan found his calling – or rather, where it was handed down to him from the narrative-rich heritage of his Nanai and Chinese-American ancestry.
Kiliii Yüyan's story is a tapestry woven with threads from the Nanai and other Indigenous communities. With proud Nanai lineage, Yüyan's work is an homage to the rivers and forests that have sustained his ancestors for generations. His photography breathes new life into traditional iconography and storytelling, unfurling a vista of cultural exuberance.
Indigenous heritage embodies wisdom, tradition, and an unbreakable bond with the land. For communities like the Nanai people, this bond is the cornerstone of their identity. Their customs, rituals, and artistic endeavors are not just vestiges of the past but living testaments to a resilient spirit that has weathered the tides of modernity.
The Nanai, also known as the Goldi or Hezhe, are an indigenous people native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China. They primarily inhabit the region around the Amur River, which forms the border between Russia and China. The Nanai people have a rich cultural and historical background, and their traditional way of life is closely tied to the rivers and forests of their homeland.
The Nanai traditionally engaged in fishing, hunting, and gathering, relying on the abundant natural resources of the Amur River basin. Their culture includes distinctive artistic expressions, traditional music, dance, and shamanistic practices. Like many indigenous communities, the Nanai have faced challenges related to cultural preservation, language loss, and changes in their environment.
Yüyan’s journey began not with cameras and honed craft but with the echoes of his Nanai grandmother’s tales, weaving images of brittle ice, the haunting calls of orca whales, and camaraderie in the face of the cold. Yüyan’s career began as a traditional skin-on-kayak builder, a tradition passed down through his Nanai lineage, and which he continues to practice to this day. Building traditional kayaks is, for Yüyan, a way to both honor and celebrate a part of the cultural memory of his Northern Indigenous culture.
This impalpable inheritance was the kindling to a storied career that would take him to the ends of the earth, paddling on a traditional skin-on-frame kayak across treacherous waters and cracking ice with practiced precision.
In the Arctic, Yüyan captures the symbiosis of humans with their environment, where life is as fragile and treacherous as the ice underfoot. Humans have to be very wary of where they place their feet; the ice being so thin that the possibility of breaking through is a very real threat to personal safety. It is in these areas where individuals are always wary and watchful of the quality of the ice that they are on.
These are some of the conditions Yüyan brings to life while discussing his wide body of work published by National Geographic. It is in these moments when his lens turns to the Inupiaq whalers whose stories of survival he brings to life onstage. Throughout his presentation, his deep reverence of the bowhead whale as the great provider remains paramount, embodying a relationship with nature that is at once practical and deeply spiritual.
Yüyan's photographs capture the physical and emotional strength of the Inupiaq people as they hunt for this majestic creature. The images are powerful, conveying a sense of awe at the sheer size and power of the bowhead whale, while also highlighting the skill and bravery of those who pursue it. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, Yüyan's work also sheds light on important cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. He captures moments of traditional ceremonies and celebrations, showcasing the close bond between community members and their deep connection to nature.
Yüyan is not merely a visual storyteller but a profound interpreter of the land’s conservation ethos. In the clash between tradition and modernity, he stands as a bridge between cultures, advocating for the preservation of Indigenous knowledge networks that have sustained life in the Arctic for centuries. His advocacy extends to the geopolitical realm, as he rallies against offshore drilling through the wise voices of the elders – the ecological navigators of his Inupiaq collaborators.
The power of Kiliii Yüyan’s art lies not just in its visual allure but in the salience with which it speaks to the viewer's soul. His images, coupling the dynamic beauty of the Arctic’s ever-changing landscapes with the resilience of its communities, are a call to action. They urge the beholder to respect, honor, and safeguard the ecological and cultural treasures of this polar wilderness.
One cannot speak of Yüyan without mentioning his mirthful philosophy that embodies his approach to life and work. Drawing from the teachings of his grandmother, he embraces the spiritual connection between all living beings—humans, animals, and the elements—which he personifies by serenading the ocean’s leviathans. During the presentation, Yüyan recalled a fond memory of beckoning an orca calf to the brim of his kayak while gently singing the words to The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” aloud. This seemingly whimsical act is, in fact, a poignant symbol of the intimate connection he seeks between his subjects and himself, one rooted in understanding, empathy, and shared existence.
As we navigate a world beset by environmental crises, Kiliii Yüyan reminds us that every part of the natural world has a voice – and by listening, we can learn how to protect our planet and our collective heritage.
- Kiliii Yüyan believes in the powerful connection between humans and the natural world, a principle inspired by his Nanai and Chinese-American ancestry.
- He upholds the philosophy of conservation, especially evident in his work with the sealing community in Northern Greenland.
- He emphasizes the importance of education and self-awareness when advocating for Indigenous communities.
- Yüyan insists on building trust and relationships with communities he photographs, advocating humility and patience as key aspects in this process.
- He acknowledges the profound effects of climate change on mental health within the Arctic community, advocating for the use of Indigenous elders' wisdom over external therapists.
- Yüyan values the teachings of his grandmother, including the belief in singing to whales for them to visit, a practice he continues to this day.
In appreciating Kiliii Yüyan's story, we are called to action—support and collaboration. The onus lies on us, as a collective, to honor and uplift indigenous voices, recognizing their unique contributions to our global cultural mosaic. It's imperative to champion initiatives that preserve and promote indigenous art, language, and traditions.
Kiliii Yüyan's narrative is a testament to the resilience and richness of indigenous legacies. Embracing their art and the stories it tells is not just an act of cultural appreciation, but a step towards a more inclusive world. As we navigate the currents of a changing global landscape, let us anchor ourselves to the values and wisdom that indigenous cultures continue to offer.
Embark on a visual odyssey through the lens of Kiliii Yüyan and share in the compelling narratives of the Arctic. Each image speaks of a journey, a heritage, and a future entwined with the ebb and flow of frozen waters, ancient songs, and the survival of our world.
For more information on Yüyan and to learn more about his growing list of accomplishments, please visit his website.
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