VNAK26 - Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory
Welcome to the page for VNAK26
Find all information about venue - registration - accomodation for the conference right here.
8–10 September 2026 | Nuuk, Greenland
Host: Greenland National Museum and Archives
(Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu – NKA)
About VNAK 2026
The West Nordic Archive Conference - Vestnordisk Arkivkonference (VNAK) is a forum for archivists from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. The conference has been held approximately every third year since 1999 and was created on the understanding that the three West Nordic countries share many of the same challenges due to their limited size, resources, geographical location and common Nordic heritage. The conference features a series of presentations as well as various networking meetings.
In 2026, Greenland will host the conference and bring together archivists, researchers and cultural institutions from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, as well as Nordic and international partners, with the aim of strengthening West Nordic archival cooperation in a time marked by digital transformation, increased attention to archival sovereignty and a growing need to rethink the role of archives in relation to colonial legacies and collective memory.
At a time when concepts such as authenticity, documentation and truth are increasingly being challenged, it is especially relevant to focus on archival practice. How do we manage documentation and information governance in an era where the perception of truth seems to be under growing pressure? What role do archives play in ensuring credibility, transparency and historical nuance?
Under the main theme Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory, the conference seeks to create space for dialogue and professional exchange about the role of archives in society – both historically and in the present day.
Under the overall theme Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory, the thematic tracks are as follows:
West Nordic Archival Sovereignty
Exploring archival ownership, responsibility, governance and decolonisation within a West Nordic context.
Mapping Our Shared History – West Nordic Perspectives
Identifying, connecting and interpreting the shared archival heritage of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Digital Archives, AI and Data Security
Addressing born-digital archives, artificial intelligence, long-term preservation, cybersecurity and digital archival practices.
Conference Programme
The preliminary programme is now available. Please note that the programme remains subject to minor adjustments until the conference.
Download the Preliminary Programme (PDF)
Registration is now available
Practical information
Venue
Hotel Hans Egede
Aqqusinersuaq 16
3900 Nuuk
Accomodation
A number of rooms have been reserved for conference participants at Hotel Hans Egede.
Participants who wish to stay at the conference hotel are welcome to book one of the reserved rooms directly with the hotel.
Email: booking@hhe.gl
Reference number: 452037
Conference rates
- Single room: 1185 DKK per night
- Twin room: 1485 DKK per night
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: before 10:00
Accommodation costs are not included in the conference fee and must be paid directly to the hotel.
Conference Dinner
The conference dinner will take place on Wednesday evening.
Further information will be announced in the final programme.
Weather
September in Nuuk is typically cool, with temperatures ranging from approximately 3–10°C. Participants are advised to bring warm and windproof clothing.
Travel
Nuuk is served by direct international flights as well as domestic connections from across Greenland.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel.