Raised in the tundra, Yelena learned sewing from her grandma and hunting from her father. After leaving her husband, she moved to Tazovsky. At first, she sewed to support her children, but went on to become an acclaimed designer of traditional Nenets clothing and a steward of her culture. Her work earned her recognition from the Italian Vogue.

When you look a humpback whale in the eye, it looks back at you, and you are struck by the realization that this is a sentient being. It is an otherworldly experience to share the ocean with these gentle giants, whose measurements defy description.