During these times of uncertainty, we like to share ways for you and our community to stay connected to nature anytime and anywhere to prepare, comfort and inspire.
Nature Is Waiting
One of the unique qualities of the Fjällräven culture is the long-lasting and meaningful friendships we have with the people in our community who truly embody the values of our brand – that is to have a love for nature, deep regard for sustainability, and to display respect for all humans, animals and our environment.
At Fjällräven we love to celebrate with our friends. All of us have unique backgrounds and experiences that can be cherished by sharing our passion with others through education and the exchange of storytelling. The following interview showcases a prolific three-generational tribal leader matriarch originally from Eagle Village, Alaska on the Yukon River.
Meet grandmother and traditional artist of the family, Adeline Juneby Potts, her daughter, Jody Juneby Potts- Land Protector, hunter, and wilderness guide, and land protector grand-daughter, Quannah ChasingHorse, all of the Han Gwich’in, Oglala Lakota tribes. These three not only embody the values of our brand, but they also lead and act accordingly to meeting the present needs of their people, their land, and our environment working towards a more sustainable, and peaceful world.
We asked our friends to share personal stories on their familial connections to nature, their dedication to taking care of it, and their special roles of matriarchal clanship that runs through the three generations as land protectors, community leaders, and climate advocates.
Here are the cross-generational stories they shared:
Here are the cross-generational stories they shared:
Quannah, one of our traditions at Fjällräven is to share our favorite nature experience. To start off our conversation today, what is one of your favorite memories on your land?
Quannah: My favorite nature memory is a dog-mushing memory with my mom when we lived far out on the land and had a dog team. After the school day was done, I would usually arrive at home to my mom hooking up the dogs and getting them ready to go out for a run.
While she was preparing to take off, I was dressing in all my warm snow gear as fast as I could. When I was finally geared up, I hurriedly jumped on the sled with her. I remember being out on that narrow trail and feeling the dogs running on the snow under us while the wind blew over the top of our heads. My very favorite mushing memories are the ones when mom and I would go out late at night. I would gaze up at the sky to get away from all the noise of the day.
I can still recall hearing the dogs breathe and the soft sound of the sled runners on the snow. There were a few times while we were out when I looked up and saw the Northern Lights and shining stars. To this day I constantly gaze up at the sky as a reminder of those times, I’ve been doing this ever since I was a little girl.
Now more than ever nature is calling every one of us to act. It's crucial to remind people that nature within us and beside us. Jody, how do you see this?
Jody: Living with the land is who we are. We are land; it's not a separate thing from us. It’s a crucial part of who we are as people and our way of life. Simply being on the land was not only an essential part of surviving life but life itself… land is life.
As a parent, I naturally gravitated to this way on the land. From a very young age, I had my kids outside berry picking and hunting with me. Still today, my kids and I go out on long canoe trips. I do this to keep them comfortable and confident in their actions, even if it’s hard long hikes with heavy packs. My goal is to keep everything positive creating good experiences that they can carry with them instilling confidence and making sure they feel comfortable while constantly learning things along the way about land and life.
Adeline, what is the biggest gift you wanted to give your children and your grandchildren?
Adeline (Grandmother): We took care of the land wherever we were. You see, whenever we take care of something, we get more back. We respect the land, and the land keeps us fed. Everything was created for us to take care of: the land, fish, moose, and caribou. If you respect and take care of the land you can survive anywhere. It will take care of you. That's what I taught the kids.
This is a unique year for the Fjällräven Classic. Why take part?
It’s an honor to keep the Fjallraven Classic tradition alive and to continue to spread Fjällräven’s mission of inspiring people to get out in nature in a sustainable way and to especially be with nature during this historical time, even if it’s virtually. I'll do whatever I can to help others experience the spirit that lies within ourselves, just as being outside on the trail does.
What are you looking forward to most on this trek
I’ve never been on this trail before, I'm excited to see what's around the bend, crossing mountain streams, seeing the seasons change & spending time with my team. I also prepared for and recognize there will be challenges ahead, being in nature in a smaller group then past Fjallraven Classics. I might not be talking much or sharing the sights with friends, instead, this will be a time to re-connect with nature during a very unique point in our lives. I’m looking forward to what messages nature will give me and to those watching on TV.
I’ve never been on this trail before, I'm excited to see what's around the bend, crossing mountain streams, seeing the seasons change & spending time with my team. I also prepared for and recognize there will be challenges ahead, being in nature in a smaller group then past Fjallraven Classics. I might not be talking much or sharing the sights with friends, instead, this will be a time to re-connect with nature during a very unique point in our lives. I’m looking forward to what messages nature will give me and to those watching on TV.